Wednesday, September 2, 2009

300th (-1) Post Giveaway!

Tomorrow's "Talk Back Thursday" will actually be my 300th post, but I'm going to do the give-away in today's (299th) post. Surely no one will mind too much! ;)

I've decided to make it official - I will mark each multiple of 100 posts with a give-away of a $50 gift certificate to Kiva, a nonprofit organization that allows people to chip in small amounts of money to fund loans for people with small businesses in third world countries.

Personally, I have contributed towards 4 Kiva loans. All were to women who work as seamstresses or tailors. My first two loans have been repaid in full.

Here is Adjo Adimah from Togo:
And Berha Aurora Rios Chota from Peru:


25% of my third loan, to Mariza Gonzalez (Paraguay), has been repaid so far:


My 4th loan, to Firuza Samadova (Tajikistan), is newly let, and there have not been any repayments yet:


The way the give-away works is that the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Kiva and will be able to review the loan requests and select the one to which she (or he) wishes to contribute. Once the loan is repaid, the winner may apply the funds towards another loan, OR remove the funds from the Kiva system and buy something special for her (or his) sewing. It will be completely up to you! :)



If you would like to be considered, just leave a comment. I'll leave the comments open for a week, and do a random drawing and announce the winner next Wednesday. Good luck! :)

13 comments:

BConky said...

I've never heard of Kiva but what a neat idea. How rewarding for you.

TZel said...

This is a great idea! Having lived in an underdeveloped country, I know that a small loan can make a world of difference to an entrepreneur there. Thanks so much!

CarlaF-in Atlanta said...

This is so Cool! Sign me up. Thanks for bringing this organization to my attention.

Cole's Corner said...

What a cool organization!

Christine said...

Please include me in the drawing!!

Vineta said...

Great idea! I'm in!

Auset's Stitched Treasures said...

Kudos to you. This is a fantastic idea! Please add my name to the hat.
Angela

mjb said...

Terrific idea!

sewsusie said...

Please include me in the drawing. I have never heard of this organization but am interested in learning more. If I am selected in the drawing, I will match your $50. I am from Sarasota!

Faye Lewis said...

Congrats on your 300th post! Of course do not enter me in this contest because I have already been blessed to have one once. Just wanted to thank you again for even coming up with this idea. It has been rewarding being involved with Kiva through you!

Anonymous said...

I'll be greedy and enter. Great blog, great person.

Aminat said...

Wao, Congratulatios on your 300th post, and what a great idea giving to people in need. Please enter me in the give-away

Uta said...

This is a very generous giveaway, and such a lovely idea. I'd love to be included in the drawing!