Did anyone else buy a goat today?

[ryanpatricksmom]

On Wednesday's episode of The West Wing the Heifer Project was mentioned. On Thursday, after I finished working out I flipped on Oprah and there again... The Heifer Project. I thought is was an interesting idea so I did a little research today. To make a long story short...I bought a goat!

Did anyone else think that it was a cool idea?

 

[honeywolf7]

Explain, please

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

Briefly, The Heifer Project is an organization that receives donations and supplies livestock to those in need. You can donate any amount or actually designate a particular animal...it can be anything from a chick to an entire ark. The details can be found at www.heifer.org

 

[honeywolf7]

Well, I didn't do it yet but I think I will give them something.

 

[nkjzmom]

One of DH aunt's did this for our family instead of buying gifts for everyone. Sounds/looks like a good project.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Actually I got a sheep for Christmas!

My "Aunt" Julie (not really related, but love her more than I love some of my blood relatives) is a pastor (there's HUGE inspirational story there -- she was ordained 7 years ago after going back to school for a Masters in Divinity. She is a senior citizen so she got a lot of unnecessary flack) and she always gives us a goat or a sheep or something like that! Our church actually has an "alternative" mall in November where you can "buy" a gift for someone by making a donation to the charity of your choice. She has always donated to the Heifer fund for us. And we always donate to Rainbows, which is a group that helps children deal with loss. Aunt Julie started the local group (its a national organization) so we like to make sure that her good work can be carried on!

 

[Pam]

Our Church has been doing this for a few years, now. Actually the youth of the Church. They have bought several goats, cows, and flocks of chicken. They collect money in Sunday School every week and then have a special offering among the adults once a month.

Pam

 

[MidwestPiglet]

Our family recieved a goose from my cousin!

It was surprising when I opened the card. Then I thought, WoW, this is a great idea!

 

[swanmom]

I did this last year as a community service project with my DD's third grade class. We read "Beatrice's Goat" (a book about a the changes in the family of a young girl who receives a pregnant goat from the foundation) as an activiity to get the ball rolling. The kids really became interested in the idea and it became quite a class event. They held a 'read-a-thon' - getting pledges of 25 to 50 cents for each grade- level book they read in a two week period. Her class of 20 kids raised more than $2,100 dollars !!!! They were so proud an excited as they picked out all of the animals they'd be able to provide......they ended up with ducks, geese, a cow, honey bees, pigs, goats. The Heifer project was terrific to work with - providing read-a-thon record sheets, curriculum guides, stickers for the kids, etc. The kids still talk about the project! I highly recommend them as a worthwhile charity project.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

I have to say, this morning I had the best time deciding upon an animal. I felt like I was playing the See N Say Farm Animal version. As you selected an animal, the anticipated benefits to the families were provided...such a great idea!

I doubt that I'll every be able to afford an ark, but I'm hoping to do a heifer before the end of the year!

 

[hercamore]

The kids in church sunday school sponsor the heifer project year round.


Great program!


Herc.

 

[KimRaye]

I also caught this on the night-time repeat of Oprah with Susan Sarandon last night. Something to look into. Thanks.

 

[shortbun]

Thanks for the link. I wanted to do this
the first time I saw it but never got to it.
I'm proposing a goat to DS and DH tomorrow.
We'll save our $ and make the donation as
soon as we save it. It's a great way to
teach small children about giving, isn't it?
Always looking for peaceful endeavors to
help the world.

 

[adamak]

Yes, just bought one last Xmas. That's our Xmas gift to family members now. A lot more meaningful, isn't it?