Kiva.org team helps people and animals.
September 29th, 2008 by Dan Bodenstein
As a member of kiva.org, I was pleased to see a lending team called “Animal Lovers.” What is kiva.org? Kiva is a way for people like you and I, to loan money to people in third world countries. Imagine the satisfaction of a small loan helping a small business owner in need. Kiva uses micro-financing to distribute money to those in need. Over time the entrepreneur’s repay their loan, and the repayment is put back into the lenders Kiva account to lend out to someone else in need.
The Animal Lovers group was created by member Mark CDT (Halifax, Nova Scotia). Mark has a deep love of animals, and has the spirit needed to make things happen. As the team captain, Mark recently rallied the troops to not only help those in need, but to also help our animal friends in need. Starting September 22nd, and going on until October 31st, Mark is donation $2.00 to the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) International for the first 25 loans made by a team member. In response to this, the members jumped in and started loaning money to those in need. As of this article, the group, comprised of 118 members, has made 388 loans totaling $10,825.00 since August 28th.
As a member of the Animal Lovers Kiva group, I have decided to step up and match his donation dollar for dollar. I will also donate what ever amount is donated to the SPCA, to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
This passed weekend, my wife and I visited the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach Florida. This is a non-profit center that treats injured and sick sea turtles. The hospital at the center treats turtles that are injured by boat propellers, fishing line, and fishing hooks. A donation to organizations such as this, and the SCPA, and ASPCA helps those who can get out there and help, do so.
If you don’t have the time to get your hands dirty, then reach your hand in your pocket and help those who can.
Comments
If you are in the donating mood also check out http://www.donorschoose.org/ similar to kiva.org but your money goes to teachers trying to fund projects for their students and you get to choose what projects seem worthy. Last year i donated to a project to get chess boards in the classroom, then a few months later they sent back pictures of the students playing chess and individual notes form the kids. It was very heartworming
Hello from Jeff. I am from Toronto, Canada but now working in the film industry in Los Angeles.
I just joined Kiva. I am particularly interesting in helping animal welfare causes although I would like to do what I can for any sentient being in need.
Welcome letters from anyone who has been with Kiva longer than I have and knows something about the organization and how it can benefit all sentient beings.
Best regards,
Jeffrey M. Freedman
http://www.jeffreymfreedman.com
jmfvegan@sbcglobal.net
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