I have some strict standards when it comes to Charities,
because often times most are not what they seem. One of my standards, happily
met by Live and Learn, is their willingness to donate 100% of their received
donations directly to the children who need it to help pay for their food,
clothing, schooling, medicines, and to fight against child prostitution and
child brides.
Live and Learn in Kenya/Feed a Smile
The charity, based in Germany, also employs a German based
medical/dental partner organization, called "Arzt- und Zahnarzthilfe
Kenya." They provide medical and dental care for hundreds of children,
including quarterly wellness check-ups, and vaccinations. With a project called
“Shared Joy” they are able to feed nearly 500 children a warm lunch every day.
(On the bottom right, the English link will give you the
page viewable in English, on the bottom left is German (Duetch.)
Fair Play-The Forgotten Game
If you want an avenue that helps support many different
charities, check out Fair Play, The Forgotten Game. They support Second Life’s
Relay for Life (American Cancer Society,) and Team Fox as well. In their shop,
they sell a variety of items that, depending on each item, donate between
10%-50% directly to charity, with two direct donation jars for each charity
resting around the circle of vendors. So if you don’t find anything there you
like, but still want to make a charitable donation, Fair Play is a good place
to check out.
War Child
“War Child is a small international charity that protects
children living in the world's most dangerous war zones. We currently work in
Iraq, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.” This is a place
where you, admittedly, can only shop if you need a DJ system for home/work, but
it’s still a great place to donate extra lindens this holiday season to help
protect children living in very dangerous parts of the world. Imagine if your
child had to grow up, it’s whole life, under the constant threat of war and
imminent, painful death. I cannot imagine what that must be like for a child,
how that must shape their world.
Creations Park
This is an amazing
place, one I’ve mentioned before, and will mention again! Creations Park,
constructed by Fran Serenade and her daughter Barbie Alchemi, is a combination
hangout, underwater hang out, art gallery, Peace Nation Native American, and
Winter Wonderland (see my other article this month about fun places to hang out
in a Winter Themed area for more info about WW.) Creations Park donates 100% of
all donations to Team Fox for Parkinsons’ Research, the charity Michael J. Fox
heads up. A lot of the stores in WW also offer percentage donations of items
purchased to Team Fox as well.
Bliss Designs- Mind Body and Soul-May You Be Happy!!
This is a neat store where all profits are donated to a
group of charities (see list and links below.) There is also a direct donation
box for Web of Life. The store carries lots of items, clothing for men and
women, complete avatars and lots, lots more! They also sell ‘starter kits’ to
begin your own store, full of prims and items you can modify and manipulate.
There is also a free photo studio for anyone to use!
The Tibet Fund: www.himalayan-foundation.org
Web of Life: http://www.wole.org/
Heifer International: www.heifer.org
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: www.seashepherd.org
‘Tis the season to be generous, folks, for while you enjoy
your hot cocoa covered in a blanket watching the latest Marvel movie with your
honey, there are thousands out there who are starving and in need. Also, to
make a difference with real life dollars/goods, consider donating to your local
food pantries and homeless shelters so everyone can have a great holiday season
this year! Food pantries and shelters save lives!
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