Give the gift of charity this year - here are our top picks for aid or charitable donations that could be suitable for any family or friend.

A Microloan card from Worldvision 

Microloans empower individuals to overcome the viscous cycle of poverty; a massive 93.4% of loans are repaid in full to World Vision which is then recycled and reinvested  to help someone else start a business. By giving a World Vision Microloans Gift Card, your money is constantly being used to alleviate global poverty.

To give you more of a flavour, here is a success story:

In 2004 Rwandan officials initiated a nationwide ban to curb littering, leading to a ban of plastic disposable bags. When most people saw this as a nuisance, Agnes Mukashyaka saw it as a small business opportunity. Agnes seized the opportunity to produce long-lasting shopping bags in compliance with the government standards.  

Agnes and 18 other women formed a co-operative called “Korujyimbere,” which means “work for development.” They each pulled their resources and talents together and began producing shopping bags. After applying for a loan, they received £320, enabling them begin making an even larger profit.
Agnes’s small business is just the beginning. She is already making over three times her original wage and is now able to support her large family and provide her children with the hope of a brighter future.

·         An interesting fact is that 68% of recipients are actually female!

More info at: http://microloans.worldvision.org.uk/pages/success_stories/agness+story

Sponsor a child this Christmas with ActionAid

Leading child sponsorship agency offers child sponsorship as Christmas gift for the first time

Cost: £15 per month

Available now from www.actionaid.org.uk/givehope

Brand new for this Christmas, the anti-poverty charity ActionAid has made it possible for you to sponsor a child for your friends and family. For just £15 a month you can give them a life-changing gift that lasts and lasts. Your present will enable them to have a connection with a child and their community in the developing world all year long.

Christmas is a time when most of us are feeling festive, merry and excited about getting together to have a feast, whereas in poorer countries for so many, it’s just another month of starvation in the calendar. This year change that and buy a heartfelt gift for your friends or family.