For every gift I give in 2008 make sure it supports an animal welfare charity

There. I said it.

I can’t believe thought that I am thinking about Christmas. Yet I am. Any moment now I will break out the list writing and start working out what to get who. This concept of giving from animal welfare will play a huge part. You can even get wrapping paper from some animal welfare organizations.

One question though: Who let Christmas turn up so soon?

A dear friends birthday came around and I got her a donation card to a local shelter that I put in with her birthday card. I got her a couple of other personal items, but even the birthday card was from a charity. This is a great start! :)

I have always included charity gifts at Christmas and Birthdays but not really focused on what I am most passionate about which is animal welfare. I have used cards from great causes such as Unicef, Oxfam and the like but haven’t really looked into giving from animal shelters and such. There are so many options.

Many shelters make their own cards you can buy to support them. These are not only for occasions but blank for anytime. You can also sponsor animals, even guide dogs if you don’t want to sponsor a shelter animal. Your local animal welfare/shelter/humane society will either have this info online or be happy to talk to you about it on the phone.

Then online, there is the Click To Give @ The Animal Rescue Site and they have a fantastic shop. I have recently bought loved ones simple little trinket gifts such as bookmarks and things I knew they would like, including myself. The total order was $38 dollars. For that we donated 70 bowls of food. Not much for a lot of food is it?

Many other places I have seen give you the option to support them via donation or in the case of the WWF you can get an adoption pack or send a turtle to rehab and many other unique gifts. Zoo’s also have animal sponsorships if you are looking for more exotic animals than shelter/welfare animals.

There are so many choices and I think in todays world of “stuff” it’s nice to be given a gift that is making a difference. Everyone I have given a gift to of this nature has really appreciated it. The gift doesn’t have to be big, or pushy, just something they can use or that may educate in a fun way, or even just the cards. Let’s face it… sending charity Christmas cards is better than shop bought cards. Who gets the money then?

So this is my goal this year. It’s what I’ve been doing so far and it’s what I am going to do for the rest of the year, if not the rest of my life.