"Free the Children" anyone know this group?

The Coffee Shop
1

I want to do something different for Christmas presents this year and have been looking around for good charitable orgs. This one seems to be quite progressive and has some interesting strategies.

Anyone have any experience with this or other groups they could direct me to? I am thinking of donating a goat on behalf of family and friends instead of a traditional present (I hope they won’t eat the tree ;p).

Thanks for the help,

robert

2

Hi

When I was a teenager I was involved in the group, then called “Kids Can Free the Children”. Its run by a guy named Craig Kielberger(sp?). He started the charity when he was around 10. They build schools in poor countries, pay the salaries of teachers, school supplies etc. They are also really involved in leadership camps and take groups of teens to these countries to learn more about third world development. I went on a week long leadership “retreat” with him that was sponsored by the Canadian government. Its a good organization.

3

I am having a hard time squaring “progressive” with “… donating a goat.”

4

What McGillTri said.

My ten year old brother is involved in a chapter of the group, they do all kinds of bake sales etc to raise money. It’s a legitimate, and good, cause.

but I don’t think you can donate a goat???

5

“but I don’t think you can donate a goat???”

Ah, but you can. You can designate your gift to be a goat if you like ($50 I believe is the going price for a goat). The advantage of giving a goat (a lady goat is best) is that the family can now milk your little friend and, perhaps, if she is attractive enough to the billy’s in the pen, make baby goats. The gift that keeps on giving.

robert

6

oh! I see. You give money and they get a goat… I was thinking “he has a goat he wants to give them?”

I’m blonde.

7

Yeah, I would imagine the postage on a goat to the Congo is pretty high. Plus she would likely eat all the stamps.

robert

8

I’ve been giving to Compassion International for many years. They are a legit organization that always passes scrutiny. A while back it was listed as one of the best charities by, I think it was, Time magazine.