Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long
as ever you can.
John Wesley
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Christmas camels and other gifts
Camels were among the most popular MRDF Christmas gifts sent by supporters in 2007. What presents will be sent this year, asks Audrey Skervin?
When MRDF launched its first Alternative Christmas Gifts scheme last year, its staff did not expect such an overwhelming response. The team was inundated with requests from callers purchasing gifts, including literacy materials for women in Nepal, shelter for street children in Bangladesh – and 120 camels.
MRDF raised over £45,000 for people living in some of the world’s poorest communities as a result of the scheme. The camels were bought for families in Northern Kenya – an area that is particularly prone to drought. Many Kenyans lost camels and other animals during a serious drought in 2005/6 and could not afford to replace them. Because of the desert-like terrain and the pastoralist lifestyle of the Maasai people, few people farm in the area. So, as camels can go for up 20-30 days without water, and provide nutritious milk and meat, they become life savers during times of drought.
Irainei Lesaana received her camel in February, and called it Mongo, which means “boat” in the local language – perhaps a reference to the camel’s ability to walk for long distances in search of water. With six children to support, the camel was a much-needed gift for her family.
This year, MRDF has launched another set of Alternative Gifts for Christmas. Supporters can buy Back to School kits for children in Bangladesh, business loans for Dalit women in India or even pay for a doctor’s salary in rural Togo, where HIV/AIDS is a growing problem. Everyone who buys a gift will get a colourful fridge magnet and card to give to their friend or relative.
More information
For your copy of the catalogue call MRDF on 020 7467 5132 or buy online at the MRDF website.
