Earlier this week, I joined Kiva, a non-profit organization which facilitates micro-lending around the world.
Starting at $25, Kiva gift certificates allow the recipient to make their own loans to entrepreneurs around the world and help alleviate poverty. Your recipient chooses the loans, receives repayments, and can choose to lend again and again! It is a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving.
In January 2010, I will begin to share my first-hand experiences. Until then, if you forgot to get a gift for someone, make a $25 investment on their behalf by sending a Kiva gift certificate. You have the option of either printing it out, or sending it immediately as an e-mail. It's the perfect solution for those last minute gifts.
They take just seconds to create, but the experience lasts a lifetime!
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PS - if you are already a member of Kiva, please join Go Backpacking's lending team!
foggodyssey says
I signed up and it's super easy. The whole process took 15min and in that time I was able to loan $25 to a family in Ecuador that capped their request for 100% to start a store that sells rice and beans. Be carful though as it's kind of addictive helping people... but then again I guess that's a good thing too.
Anil says
Kiva is a wonderful organization I've been contributing to for sometime. I feel the concept of micro-loans to be a very effective way of helping people provide for themselves in the long run. Kiva does a wonderful job of connecting you to the people you loan to as well.
Jenny R says
woow thanks