A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN OUR HANDS - To Parent Directory

Global povertyMaking a differenceWhile national policies regarding the eradication of poverty areset by governments, each of us can make a difference.One way of helping is to buy as you would normally and donateat the same time. Cause marketing, as it’s known, brings togetherfor-profit businesses and non-profit organisations in a win-winsituation. An example of this is Product RED which raises moneyto fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria through a number of wellknownbrands.You can also make a difference at your local grocery store bychoosing from among 1,500 FairTrade products. This simple actgoes a long way to guaranteeing fair wages for producers.Another way of contributing to your favourite charity, without itcosting you a penny, is through ethical banking. This is becomingincreasingly popular across Europe.If you have money to invest, wherever you are in Europe, ask yourbank or financial advisor how you can make your money work foryou and in the fight against global poverty. If you prefer to donatedirectly then many European countries will give tax breaks oncharitable donations.If you are put off the notion of donating because you feel that youcan’t really be sure where your money is going, then there aremany schemes that involve sponsoring a specific child. Donorsreceive regular updates on how the child they have sponsored isdoing and are sent photos and letters.There is no shortage of worthy causes. Look out for charities contributingto the livelihoods of family farmers through sustainableagriculture in countries as far afield as Laos and Nicaragua.For a more personal touch, why not help your child to find a penpalof their own age in the developing world? Choose the countrythat shares your language or use the opportunity to improve yourchild’s foreign language skills. Ring international directory inquiriesand ask for a school in a given town within the country concerned.066