Unique live gifts pop up, gives Canadians fun meaningful gift options
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
For interviews contact: Angel Cheng - 647-271-4752 or [email protected]
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