In 2007, I took my first trip to Kenya. I went not as a tourist, but as a member of a group travelling to a rural community in the Maasai Mara to work on the construction of a school. Our task was to dig a foundation to build a school building. I wasn’t prepared for all that I learned on that trip – it was truly one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I learned about the importance of water, education, livestock and medical care and disease prevention. My work there in that community changed me as a person but also changed the way I look at charity and meaningful gift giving.
I am really excited to be sharing Plan Canada’s Gifts of Hope project. Gifts of Hope are unique gifts that are real projects that change real lives. Plan Canada Gifts of Hope make fantastic gifts for family, friends, teachers, babysitters, co-workers and other important people in your life. (store.spaceylon.com)
How Plan Canada’s Gifts of Hope work:
Each gift that you give turns your money into real projects for communities. Your donation is used to purchase the items you have bought. For example, if you choose to purchase bed nets, your $10 will purchase bed nets in a country that needs protection from the mosquitos that carry malaria.
Plus, with matched gifts, what you buy is matched with a donation from a group, organization or government body. Your $10 for bed nets will be matched 6x, for a total value of $70 – a truly remarkable gift for a small cost to you.
Plan Canada’s Gifts of Hope are sustainable, ethical gifts that make a real difference in another person’s life. Your choice can support Education, Livestock, Water, Girls rights & Livelihood.
When you place your order you will receive a free greeting card that can be sent directly to your gift recipient, sent to you to personalize, or you can choose to send an ecard.
Here are some of the remarkable 41 Gifts of Hope you can choose from:
Bed Nets $10
Quinoa Project $35
Clean Water for Families $75
Girl’s scholarships $295
How can you make a difference? Follow these steps:
1. Choose from 41 Gifts of Hope starting at $10 by visiting www.plancanada.ca/giftsofhope
2. Have your money go further by selecting gifts that are matched by generous funding partners.
In addition to your Gift of Hope you can also add merchandise (i.e. Because I am a Girl t-shirts, paper necklaces etc.) to your purchase making it even easier to do your Holiday shopping and make a difference abroad.
This Holiday, think outside the box and give an unforgettable gift that will transform lives around the world.
Ordering is easy, simply shop online or call – 1-800-387-1418
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Plan Canada.
We are happy to be promoting this great initiative as well, it is the gift to give that also gives back. Help someone who can’t help themselves -> feel good about the gift you are giving -> the recipient of your gift feels great too knowing you are both giving back. You can’t go wrong!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Crystal recently posted..Comment on Reducing Our Living Costs Part 1: Bye-Bye TV & Telephone by Nolie
I absolutely agree! Such a wonderful way to have a lasting impact and purchase a meaningful gift.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Plan Canada Gifts of Hope The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
Oh my gosh, what a remarkable trip that must have been. And these are beautiful, touching gift ideas. :)![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Joann @ Woman in Real Life recently posted..Holiday Gifting with Shoppers Drug Mart
Joann, it was a truly life changing trip – thank you for your kind words.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Plan Canada Gifts of Hope The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
We just got a gifting idea book in the mail from Plan Canada. I didn’t think about getting something for the hard to shop for people in your life, like the kids art teacher, etc. Thanks for sharing!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Lori recently posted..Holiday Crafts: Marshmallow Snowmen Stick Puppets
Clean water as a gift? Wow, as I said on another Plan post: it’s amazing what we take for granted. Thank you for the great gift idea.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Randa @ The Bewitchin’ Kitchen recently posted..Treats For Toys: What Will You Make? #TreatsForToys
I love how “affordable” some of these gifts are – easy enough that our kids can purchase a gift, like education essentials for someone in need, or a baby chick that is not only cute but will also help in generating income in the near future. :) Not only will it help a child in need, but it will help teach and perhaps inspire those who are gifting.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Aeryn Lynne recently posted..Gift Giving Made Easy with Shoppers Drug Mart
So true! Thinking these will be wonderful gifts for my boys’ teachers.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Plan Canada Gifts of Hope The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
this is priceless!!! a wonderful idea! will share!!!!
I haven’t heard of this campaign before but I do love giving to others. I really like the fact that some of the gifts are really affordable so I can make a difference without breaking the bank.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Melinda Dunne recently posted..SpaRitual Holiday Gifts
I have done this for many years for a couple of my good friends who appreciate things like this.
I’ve never heard of this campaign before. Great post!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Steven recently posted..Black Friday Deals on Sony Playstation 4 Games at Amazon.com Right Now!
I haven’t heard of this and thank you for bringing it to my attention. I’m headed off to check it out.
Best!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Winter recently posted..12/05/13 Candle Impressions Flameless Candles Giveaway
A wonderful gift idea! Thank you for the info. :)![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jenn recently posted..Justin Timberlake’s performance of “Drink You Away” will blow you away!
This is a great way to help someone out and teach your children the true meaning of Christmas! Thank you for introducing me!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jenn recently posted..Staying Safe with React Mobile #review
Amazing initiative, thanks for the info, I will share![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Reina – Soy Mamá en Casa Blog recently posted..5 Recetas de Pavo Fáciles y Deliciosas – 5 Turkey Easy Recipes
This is a great program! I try to give back, especially this time of year.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Shanna recently posted..It’s Flu Season! (Here Are a Few Tips To Help You Weather the Storm) #MC
Great way to give globally while giving locally!![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Karen @TheMissingNiche.com recently posted..Important Behaviors You Can Teach Your Children at the Holidays
I will be checking this out! It is a great program.
I love Gifts of Hope. My kids love to participate in it. They are so excited to pick what we will buy each year :)![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Bibi @ Bibi’s Culinary Journey recently posted..Midnight Mints with Crushed Candy Canes
What a wonderful thing. It always feels good to do something great.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Kimberly recently posted..Thanksgiving Kids Craft Free Printable
That matching can really make a gift go a long way. I’m so happy to see this project in action.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..It’s A Cookie Thing!
This is a great way to give to those in need
The holidays are all about giving, not about receiving. I love this idea and nothing makes you feel better than knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life.![My Profile](https://familyfoodandtravel.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
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