If you have read these postings for a while you know that one of A.R.E.’s commitments is to giving. You can click links to all the organizations we are supporting this year at our web site. And one of our recent webinars was on continuing to give even in the midst of economic struggles – giving is an important part of keeping our humanity in place, even when we feel pressed.
One of our gifts this year went to Kiva to provide microloans. Kiva makes it possible for people to make money available to small businesses starting up in places where poverty is a significant issue. It is a way for startup capital to get to people and places where it can do the most. One of the neat things about Kiva is that since these are loans, as the new businesses progress the owners gradually pay back their loans - interest free. You get your money back! The goal is not to repay you as the lender. The goal is to give you the chance to lend again! This method of giving means that your money can go to work over and over.
Our first Kiva loan has been repaid. The system works. So we thought we should remind you to look into your giving. Reports are that some people around the country are cutting back at a time when even more is needed than usual. And since we got our money back, we have made a new loan. Here’s a description of a coalition of women in Bolivia who are the recipients of our new loan:
The Las Copacabana Microfinance Institute is a new group that consists of members who have previously worked in other institutes, as well as in this institute. The members have now united under this new group due to their interest and desire to work with our institute. Most of the loan will be invested in their respective businesses to increase both their capital and their profits, which will in turn allow each entrepreneur to enhance her ability to offer her family a better quality of life. Some of the business activities that the members are involved in include beer sales, machinists, home appliances, housekeeping, empanada (stuffed pastry) sales, egg sales, and general retail.
We’d like to remind you to give and if you have stories of how your work is making an impact, post a comment and let us know!
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