Charities

'Tis the Season when we are constantly reminded through flickering lights, seasonal music with religious overtones, lighted candles, ringing bells, red kettles and white bearded men in red suits, even program specials on television, that promote "Peace on earth, good will toward man", that it is better to give than receive, and Charity is a virtue that should be observed all year.

As a fibre artist, what better way to use my God given talent than to help others? Google "knitted charities", as I did, and you are offered various links including the ones found at the left side of this page under the heading "Making a difference through Knitting". Unfortunately even the best intentions can become calamitous, especially if not researched well beforehand, as I found out recently. In this particular instance what I thought, especially as an animal lover, to be quite sapient, how clever to find an organization that provide people in need animals to better their financial and environmental situation, can, in point of fact, have some rather worrisome obscure concerns.

This particular organization in question promotes itself as a caring group, and on that part I have no reason to dispute, through your donations, they gift a family with an animal that can, and quite possibly will, help meet a more immediate need. Visiting their site you can view a nice slideshow of little children holding cute little baby animals, smiling with captions that include such wonderful, positive and affirmative words like "hope, blessings, disaster rehabilitation". I have no doubt that this organization has indeed accomplished just what they publicize. I remember being very excited when I read about their "Knitting Basket" program that offer fibre animals to households that by spinning, weaving and or knitting the fibre these animals produce they are ablthemselveshemeselves out of poverty and on their way to financial independence. How can there be anything wrong with that? But there is more to the story. If you look more toward long term you begin to see some real concerns, like land management, veterinary support and adequate housing. I suspect this particular organization has helped many families and I am not suggesting that they aren't doing what they feel is best for all concerned, the animals as well as humanity. Nor is it my intention to pick on them, suggesting they are the only organization that does not address these concerns. I am only trying to illustrate our responsibility to ask questions, research and take care where we direct our hard earned monies, resource and good intentions. And when I investigated this is what I found:
Animal rights vs. Livestock Donations
More Hype than Hope
Why giving a goat for Christmas hinders those in Poverty
Critics urge charities to give up the goat