Got A Stick for the Stack?
Help the Iranian people gain access to uncensored Internet: send your old USB stick to the Haystack Network. Austin Heap created the Haystack program to outsmart Iran government internet traffic filters. Send your old USB sticks (min 128 MB) to Haystack and they’ll be given a new and heroic life in Iran.
Make a Loan – Save a Life
Have you heard about Kiva.org? They are a non-profit doing something good by helping people who are struggling to make a life for themselves but need a loan – usually a pitifully small amount – to help them along. This is a superb idea and I heartily endorse the concept. I especially like that the charity passes on 100% of all donations to the people they are helping. It’s a nice touch that they offer the option of adding 10% to your donation amount (from $25) to help them with their running costs, but is it only an option, there’s no pressure.
Once you have made a donation, this is what happens:
- 100% of your funds will be sent to Kiva’s local partner who will disburse your loan
- You’ll receive periodic updates showing the impact of your loan
- Once your loan is fully repaid, you may withdraw the funds or sponsor a new entrepreneur
See that last bit? A gift you can give over and over again. Nice!
Here’s to Kiva and their enterprising beneficiaries around the world, I want to see them all realise their hopes and dreams, and I wish them well.
