Acts of kindness make big difference in Third World

BY RISA OLDFIELD

If you have not made your New Year’s resolutions yet, you could vow to make the world a better place by making a donation to an organization that helps people living in the Third World.

World Vision Canada, a non-profit organization, allows people to purchase gifts for those in need.

Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada, said that last year more than 76,000 people made a donation to the organization.

“I think last year the most popular gift was goats, and I think they’re popular because they’re hearty, they reproduce quickly and they survive in a tough environment,” he said.

Other popular gifts include a water buffalo, small animals such as rabbits, emergency supplies for a family and providing school supplies for a school.

Toycen said the organization’s most expensive gift is supporting a micro finance institution for $500,000, and the least expensive gift is a backpack with school supplies for $25.

The gifts, Toycen said, can be purchased by going on to the website or phoning the toll free number at: 1 (800) 844-7993.

In discussing how it makes people feel to know that the gift they purchased will have a positive affect in a child’s life Toycen said, “They’re delighted that someone can benefit from this in another country.”

For more information phone (905) 565-6100 or visit www.WorldVision.ca.

Another way to make the world a better place is by giving to The Leprosy Mission Canada.

Harin Watson, director of operations for The Leprosy Mission Canada, said in 2005 just under 300,000 people had leprosy.

According to Watson, the parts of the world that are most affected by this disease are South Asia, South America and Africa.

The cost to cure and care for one person with leprosy is a few hundred dollars.

“Through the leprosy mission’s facilities and the work that we do it is approximately $350,” Watson said.

People whose symptoms are recognized early and who receive treatment can usually be cured within 12 months.

Those interested in making a donation can do so by calling: 1(888) 537-7679 or visiting the organization’s website at: www.leprosy.ca.