Give the Ultimate Gift: The Gift of Hope

Heifer Project International
Thursday, 1 November 2001

LITTLE ROCK, AR - When looking for the perfect gift, many Americans are faced with the same dilemma: How does one find a truly unique gift for someone who already has everything? One organization has not only solved this common problem, but it has created a simple way to help someone who has "everything" share the gift of hope with someone who has "nothing." Through its gift catalog, "The Most Important Gift Catalog in the World," Heifer International offers shoppers a truly unique form of giving that will be appreciated for yours to come.

Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than four million families in 125 countries become self-reliant by providing them with "living loans" of livestock. Currently, Heifer supports over 300 projects in 44 countries that create sustainable, small-scale farm enterprises that help improve nutrition and supplement income.

Through its "living loans" of livestock, Heifer promotes self-reliance, which builds self-esteem and helps families lift themselves out of poverty. Not only are families trained in the proper care and maintenance of these animals, but they are also required to "pass on the gift" by giving one or more of their animal's offspring to another family in need.

Heifer's colorful and inspiring catalog allows a shopper to purchase an animal (or share of an animal) for an impoverished family in honor of a friend or family member. Shoppers can find a wide range of gift donations to suit their budget, ranging from $10 for a share of a pig (which provides a valuable source of protein and income from the sale of piglets) to $500 for a dairy cow (supplying enough milk for a family to drink, share with neighbors and sell for cash). At a cost of $5,000, the catalog's feature product, the Gift Ark, is the ultimate way for an individual, business or civic organization to help build a menagerie of animals to be placed where they are needed most.

Hiefer provides two options for honoring the honoree. Shoppers may choose to receive a full color gift booklet, shaped like Noah's Ark, which explains in detail the impact of this gift or, if shopping on-line, one may opt for an electronic greeting card to send to the recipient.

For more information, or to contact Heifer Project International, see their website at: www.heifer.org