TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - At the peak of the
busiest retail season of the year, on December 17th from 11am-1pm at the St. James Cathedral Church
(65 Church St. E.), World Vision Canada hosted a unique pop up
shopping experience with the Meaningful Gifts Pop Up
Shop.
Local children and community members got a chance to meet goats,
alpacas, and other livestock and find out how giving animals from
the World Vision Gift Catalogue could provide a sustainable
livelihood to children and their families overseas. Guests were
also treated to a live performance by acclaimed singer/songwriter
Luke McMaster of his new single,
Raise A Glass, which people can download online to
raise money to help children through World Vision.
With a recent Ipsos Reid Poll showing that 59% of
Canadians say they will likely give a charitable gift this year,
this was an opportunity for people to see, feel and even feed
life-giving gifts that they can give on behalf of a loved one to
children and their communities overseas.
As a majority of Canadians say that they also prefer to receive
a meaningful gift that would help someone else, the rising trend in
ethical consumerism and charitable giving over the holidays is
transforming the way people choose to spend their money this
season.
Quotes:
"We know that Canadians value both giving and receiving
meaningful gifts. With our Gift Catalogue, people can have a lot of
fun finding that unique and memorable gift for everyone on their
list, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children
and their families."
- Alicia
Pereira, Gift Giving Expert, World Vision Canada
"Conversations about meaningful giving in both traditional
and online communities are growing. Canadians are very socially
conscious, so when they celebrate abundance during the holiday
season, they also look for ways that they can extend that
celebration to those in need."
- Paula Schuck, Online Community Manager and
Founder of Thrifty Mom Media
Quick Facts:
- 70% of Canadians say it's likely they'll make a donation to a
charity this holiday season.
- 78% say they would prefer to give a gift that helps those less
fortunate. Gifts of livestock support programs that provide
education in animal husbandry, sanitation training and business
skills to help families increase their income over the long-term so
that their children can have brighter, sustainable futures.
- Meaningful animal gifts: goats provide protein and income – 1
dairy goat can provide up to 250L of milk a year, and a pair can
breed to produce 2-3 kids/year which quickly becomes a herd that
sustains a family; 2 hens and a rooster can produce up to 150
eggs/year – which can be eaten, sold or hatched to provide a
continuous supply of food and income; alpacas are more precious
than gold in the Andes – producing up to 5Kg of the highest-valued
wool in the world, an alpaca means plenty of clothing, blankets and
rugs to keep warm in the cold and sell at market.
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, families and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves
all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit
our News Centre at worldvision.ca.
Video and photos available for download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/klheuo18rsletbp/AAAzc8DrddoNH_H_wG90jmBDa?dl=0
SOURCE World Vision Canada