When Forty Five Years Equals Four Hundred and Fifty Dollars

My forty fifth birthday is now only five days away.  I have wanted to do something, to start something that could help make a difference in the lives of others a world away.  I am fortunate to live in the United States of America.  In spite of our many problems, whether they be political, social, spiritual, or economic, we are still lucky to have safer, easier lives than countless millions of people around the globe.

It is with this in mind that I started feeling that I could give so that others could share in the “wealth” in which this country practically wallows.  But, what do do?  Who to give to? I don’t have limitless funds.  And then, a couple things came to my attention:

Via Twitter, I found an extraordinary young woman named Sloane Berrent and her equally extraordinary friend Doug Campbell.  They had the idea to tie their thirtieth birthdays (2 days apart) to a cause close to their hearts: helping procure malaria nets for orphanages and refugee camps in Northern Ghana.

The goal was to raise $20,000 for malaria nets for orphanages and refugee camps in Northern Ghana. This will be accomplish in conjunction with Netting Nations, a registered 501c3 organization.

Thus, the seven day, seven city “birthday party” event was born.  And, they managed to not only reach their goal of enough money for 4000 nets, but thru generous donations from the netting manufacturer, they actually were able to procure an additional 2000 nets at no additional cost.  One hundred percent of the money raised went into the cause and the netting manufacturer, Vestergaard-Frandsen even donated all of their time and logistics so that no monies donated would benefit Sloane, Doug or Vestergaard-Frandsen.  Inspiring, certainly.  Wait, there’s more.

Thru Twitter again I found  a local Nashville social media specialist and all around cool guy, Dave Delaney, who decided to participate in a cause to gather donations for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation during the month of November when it is renamed Movember. Dave created a local Nashville “Team Nash Stashe” to collectively raise the money.  To date, the team has raised over $2300.00!

Lastly, thru Twitter AGAIN, I became of a non-profit micro-lending organization called Kiva.  Kiva basically creates a means for people with money to loan it, at 0% interest) to people needing money for their business.  How do they do this?  Well, they use a vast network of local lenders and other organizations (churches, outreach groups, etc) that have connections in communities all over the world.  Thru these connections, local business owners and entrepreneurs seek loans, often in amounts that are almost trivial to us here in the USA.  They seek loans to provide materials or equipment to start or grow their businesses.  Kiva collects all of the information about these folks and provides a website where people like you and me can fund all or part of any loan request, in $25.00 increments.  The business owner or entrepreneur gets their loan funded and we get the satisfaction of knowing we helped someone a world away.  After four years of operation, Kiva loans have seen a remarkable 98% repayment rate!!

All of this finally pushed me into action.  I have decided to raise $450.00 for Kiva loan funding during the month of December.  I am simply hoping that upto 45 of my friends and family or anyone else that would like to donate, would provide $10.00 towards my goal.  Please know that I will also be contributing to this effort in a significant way so that the final total might not need to be 45 of you.  Rest assured that 100% of any money you donate WILL go to Kiva.  And, I am working out a means where you will be able to pick which Kiva loanee you would like to receive your loan.  Remember this IS a loan.  Except in some extreme cases, you WILL receive your loaned amount back in the future.  You would then be free to receive your money back or turn it around and fund another business loan.  It’s completely up to you.

So, please stay tuned.  I will have the details and linkage for donating up in the next few days.  And, whether you choose to participate, or not, I would also ask that you help spread the word.  Please forward this on Facebook and/or Twitter.  Just remember that I don’t wish to “spam” anyone so be mindful of how you spread the word.

Peace and love,

Les