Advent Conspiracy

SonOfAdam

It's almost that time of year again so before the madness and mayhem begins give a thought to doing something a little different this year.

Each year we spend billions ($450 USA, £34 UK) on Christmas. A crazy amount given that it would take a fraction of that (€8 billion) to secure clean water for developing countries and prevent the deaths of almost 4,000 children EVERY DAY from water borne diseases.

So, instead of wasting money on gifts (even one less) that you don't particularly want to buy and the recipient doesn't really want set aside that amount and do something with it.

Giving water is just one option, there are other things you could do, but such a seemingly small thing can and does save lives and is a lot more useful than still looking at that unopened/unused gift next July.

Have a think, be creative - make a difference

soterpisc

Its a major point!!! How many times I get the useless mens toiletry set that I will never use from a books buy 1 get one free.!. Our family gave up buying presents years ago. (just the kids get them) I worked in Latin America and Africa and indeed many people would just be happy not to be hungry for Christmas. I hate shopping Centres,, But I hate them more at Christmas and the rush to buy buy buy... I know they have to make a living and economy...etc.. But if we are Christians we should show real solidarity.

tommy2bad

Dose it have to be either or?
You can do both you know.

Newsite

tommy2bad wrote: »

Dose it have to be either or?
You can do both you know.

Those were going to be my sentiments exactly.

Go on to Concern.net, make a regular monthly donation.

Then go shopping for your loved ones!

CMpunked

This is pretty much exactly what im going to do this year.
Thanks for reminding me, OP.

PDN

SonOfAdam wrote: »

It's almost that time of year again so before the madness and mayhem begins give a thought to doing something a little different this year.

Each year we spend billions ($450 USA, £34 UK) on Christmas. A crazy amount given that it would take a fraction of that (€8 billion) to secure clean water for developing countries and prevent the deaths of almost 4,000 children EVERY DAY from water borne diseases.

So, instead of wasting money on gifts (even one less) that you don't particularly want to buy and the recipient doesn't really want set aside that amount and do something with it.

Giving water is just one option, there are other things you could do, but such a seemingly small thing can and does save lives and is a lot more useful than still looking at that unopened/unused gift next July.

Have a think, be creative - make a difference

A number of charities sell gift cards, so you can assure your loved ones that you still care about them, but use the money in a more productive way. Just one example is Oxfam: http://www.oxfamirelandunwrapped.com/roi/categories/View-All-Gifts/

homer911

PDN wrote: »

A number of charities sell gift cards, so you can assure your loved ones that you still care about them, but use the money in a more productive way. Just one example is Oxfam: http://www.oxfamirelandunwrapped.com/roi/categories/View-All-Gifts/

I'm sensing a need for a sticky growing out of this..

While we are talking about gift certificates, can I get in a plug for the Matilda Project? http://www.matildaproject.com/

homer911

And another couple of favourites:
The Leprosy Mission (TLM) http://giftstoshowwecare.org/

Tearfund: http://www.tearfund.ie/livinggifts/

SonOfAdam

Just to clarify - I'm not bahumbugging here and not suggesting you deny the kids Santa Claus :eek: - just the odd present that doesn't really NEED to be bought, that wouldn't be missed either way, the one that will sit on the top of the wardrobe or be recycled - you could do something about that - sorry if I wasn't clear in the OP

Seaneh

You could always buy something from the shop at 20liters.org, $10 from every t-shirt sale goes to the charity.

For $10 they can provide one person with clean water for 10 years.

It's a great charity.