I was sitting watching the 1987 Chuck Berry tribute on Bravo TV. This tribute struck me as it had Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, George Harrison and a host of other fine musicians giving tribute to Chuck Berry on his 60th birthday.

During the commercials segmet, there was a commercial for Christian Children's Fund. Watching that commercial triggered my thinking about today's post.

GIVING MONEY TO CHARITIES - CHARITABLE GIVING
I was chatting with my mother, Lynn Loree, today. She's all excited about helping out the folks in Kenya. Along with giving money to charities, or non-profits, she is doing some more. My mother has taken on the personal challenge of learning about building water filtration systems.

She's going to Kenya, Africa in January to help build a water filtration system. See also WorldBank - Water Resource Management

My mother first learned about helping the folks in Africa a few years ago from her sister, Jocelyn Rogers who lives in Australia. My aunt Jocelyn, along with her church has raised money to buy goats, cows, water wells, and more. They're pretty enthusiastic about it.

I asked my mother to jot down how's she has been helping these African people in an email. I will post that letter at the end of this post.

I thought I should take the time to talk about this as it relates to money, and how my mother is very excited to help out with her money and her time. After working all her life, she's decided to help other people in a non-profit sense during her retirement years. I think she is getting a great deal of fulfillment from this charitable activity.

There is alot to be said for helping out people, especially when there is nothing coming back in return except for a deep sense of fulfillment.

Want to know more about my mother going to Kenya, Africa and how you can help out. Leave your name and email address in the comments here. I will forward them on to her. She's leaving for Africa on January 16th.

My mother's email: (I added some links )

Hi Monty

Here are the different articles we talked about on the phone!

I have just recently completed my CAWST Course (Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology Course) and am now a Project Implementer. This means that I am qualified to teach people in a country with poor water quality how to make, install and maintain BioSand Water Filters. This method uses local people using their own resources to make clean water for Schools, Medical Clinics and Community Centers and personal homes and so provide clean water where there was only very polluted water. In doing so I will have created a business which will continue on after I go home! So much disease and premature infant death is caused by bad water sources. (Cattle drink etc, and women wash their clothes, etc, in the same water they use to cook with and drink!) So the BioSand Water Filter is for the poorest and provides clean water to the thirsty! I believe this is a good work which provides jobs, health and abundance to villages.

We say we not only teach a person to fish but teach him how to build his own fishing pole!

I will be going to Kisumu, Kenya Jan 16th/07 and will be there for a month or longer. I intend to get one BioSand Filter Project off the ground, some filters made and the people who are willing to help others (in the name of Jesus) up and running! I also want to get a better idea of what needs to be done and how and who there is to get it done!

I have been praying for the strength and courage to make this trip and the 'know how to do what I set out to do' when I get there - that there will be people to get behind me and 'get the vision' and that it can be done!! There is such a huge need and such poverty but I know God is good and He will provide! I intend to step out in faith and do my best. I will be paying all my own expenses so any donations will go straight into Water and Training men, women or anyone young or old who will learn and has a heart to serve. I need your prayers! It would mean so much to me to think that I had people praying for me!!

If you would like to donate money for clean water in Kenya every cent donated will be used toward the water project! My email address is: schaeble@telusplanet.net. THANKS!

Lynn L.

Recently I donated $1000.00 to Samaritan's Purse. I used my 'Ralph Bucks' (Prosperity Bonus in Alberta) and my first Old Age Pension Cheque and added a little of my own money to make quite a nice donation!! It felt good and it helped a wide range of people from schools, medical clinics, farmers, children and games (soccar balls!) If you donate medical equipment or medicines the company donates 15 times what you put in. If you donate to school supplies it is increased X 10. This is good value for your donation dollar!

Calgary

My sister and I where looking at donations from Samaritans Purse and World Vision. She wanted to donate goats and said that they cost $150 from the World Vision Catalogue and I was amazed because I had just donated 5 goats on behalf of my sister who has cancer and they cost only $50. What is the difference? I don't know. A goat is a goat! (If you donate on behalf of a person they send that person a list of your donation which was done on their behalf).

We did a fairly thorough research between the World Vision Calender and the Samaritans Purse Calender and found that in many cases Samaritans Purse was quite a lot cheaper for the same article! My sister then wrote a letter with her findings to World Vision (where she had been donating) and changed over to Samaritans Purse!

Brenda

The Salvation Army, Canada is a well run and 'real' organization with a focus on helping those most in need. It seems they follow an unconditional receptiveness policy. I really admire their dedication but I guess this year even they had a shortage of staff and helpers and had to cut back on the 'Kettles' program which of course caused them to have less than usual money to work with during this busy time of year - Christmas and winter. I like donating to this organization! Every little bit helps!

Northwest

Inn from the Cold has really stepped up its work in Calgary with so many unable to find affordable housing! People who are working two jobs are not able to find or qualify for housing and must resort to living at homeless shelters and/or go begging for 'someplace to live'! I think that Calgary is nearly as expensive as Toronto to live now. The Mayor has said in the newspaper 'don't just come to Calgary looking for work if you don't already have a place to stay'!!! What is happening here?? All they talk about is bringing in people to help fill the job vacancies but don't come??

Calgary

Love Mom