Monday, September 17, 2007

the REAL THING...

Yep, you can get these shoes for only $30. Hoodies, watches, jeans, shoes and more... All replicas at a fraction of the cost. http://www.replicabc.com
More cool clothing on the cheap! (it says free shipping on orders $40 or more, $6 flat fee for shipping on orders below that) Thanks to Adam for this link: http://www.classiccloseouts.com
As you already know, I prefer the thrift store (Value Village, Goodwill, Salvation Army)...

Sunday, September 02, 2007

KIVA.org - microfinance lending

I just made a loan to someone in the developing world using a revolutionary new website called Kiva. You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the business is going. The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Hilda González in Paraguay. They still need another $50.00 to complete their loan request of $100.00. (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this business off the ground by clicking this link to make a loan to Hilda González too.

It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back. Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.

A new kind of philanthropic giving -- particularly among the young and web-savvy -- is facilitated by a non-profit organization called Kiva. Donors are encouraged to give microloans to entrepreneurs in the developing world. Listen to the report on NPR, Yahoo!, Kiva Chronicles - Follow the real-life story of a couple who decided to change the world, one loan at a time. What a great way to help others... If they default on the loan, it becomes a donation? (is it tax deductable?) Their 1st loan was made on April 1st 2005. Loans are made via PAYPAL. kiva.org | inveneo.org | socialedge.org | The GlobalGiving index