Introducing The Ottery’s Heifer International Campaign
You may have noticed a new feature on The Ottery. Scroll down (or up!) . . . keep scrolling . . . and look on the right side of the screen, where you should see a box with a thermometer and a jumping cow.
Heifer International has been my favorite charity just about as long as I can remember (I grew up near its headquarters in Arkansas), and I was happy to hear about their new efforts to fundraise through blogs.
In case you’ve never heard of Heifer International, they sponsor livestock-raising programs in impoverished communities, both in the U.S. and abroad. Through donations, Heifer provides animals and agricultural education to people in need, thus providing them with a sustainable source of food and energy.
(We youngsters who visited the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, were taught to chant “Milk, meat, and manure!” to remind ourselves of all the things that an animal could provide. Of course, in addition to manure that enriches the soil, a large animal can also provide the muscle-power needed to pull a plow or other farm equipment. Anyway, the point is that the recipients of Heifer animals don’t just kill and eat them right off–they’re used in the most sustainable way possible. Furthermore, the animal’s offspring are passed on to neighbors in need, so the gift keeps giving.)
I’ve set a fundraising goal of $100 (the money all goes to Heifer International, not to me), but my main hope is to draw awareness to Heifer International’s work.
And, in case you were wondering, Heifer International does not send otters to anyone. We otters really aren’t that useful for much except mischief.
Add comment November 28th, 2006