Reaching Other Folks

We know that people are in need (at least I think we know). We know there are millions around the globe who go without and who are desperate for a helping hand. But what can we do, right? Can we make a meaningful difference in someone’s life who is truly hurting and who seems to have such a long way to go?
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A couple weeks ago I was reading Relevant Magazine (great magazine, btw. you should pick up a copy if you get the chance) and I came across a really short article about two girls who sell homemade cards to raise money. The girls send the bulk of this money to an organization called Kiva (Kiva.org), which is involved in microfinance in the developing world. I checked out Kiva’s website and it looks like they’re doing some good stuff.

Basically, this is how it works. You visit the Kiva site and browse profiles for individuals who are looking for micro-financing. When you decide who you would like to support you make a payment via Pay Pal or your CC and your money is then sent to a partnering microfinance institution in the country where the individual who will receive your loan is located. That person receives the loan, puts it to use to start a business and then repays the loan to the partner institution which sends your funds back to you.

With this project Kiva is looking to “connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.”

Seems pretty cool to me! And it looks like a way to reach those folks who can be so far away. We can’t always be there to lend our actual hand to pull someone up, but there are opportunities to do it roundabout-ly, and this looks like one of those opportunities. So, you might want to check it out. And if you ever give a loan to anyone I’d love to hear about your experience.