Brian Dusablon

Last year, Patrick posted about the things to keep in mind during the season of stuff. It was timely, and led to this post asking those that give to us to consider donations, or money toward a high-value item that would last years, over the small stuff that will be discarded within a year.

Think about this as you go through this holiday season. What is truly meaningful to you? What message do you want to send your kids and/or grandkids? You have a wonderful opportunity!

Let’s change it up, give back, and keep this season simple and fun, remembering its true value is in the friends and family you celebrate with.

This is good stuff, and for a great cause. The folks over at WooThemes have started a campaign called “We Love Boobs” to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many developers (Brian, Veerle, etc.) go Pink for October. I’m doing the same, and if you’re in the market for a theme, take a look at WooThemes. One, they are awesome themes. Two, they are great people and offer incredible support.

I already donate 50% of all revenue generated on this site to charity. In addition, for October, if you use my WooThemes affiliate link, not only will WooThemes make their donation, but I will donate 100% of my referral revenue to Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Don’t need a WordPress theme? Check out TweetForBoobs.

I just made three more loans to people across the world through Kiva (www.kiva.org). This is part of my pledge to donate 50% of all proceeds earned on this site.

You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business – like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent – and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.

The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back – and Kiva’s loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

It’s finally easy to actually do something about poverty – using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they’re using it for. And most of all, I know that I’m helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

Join me in changing the world – one loan at a time.

Thanks!

P.S. If you are in the learning industry, you can donate as part of the Learning Ninjas team.

Also, check out Nuru while you’re in a giving mood.

This is a great cause. Please consider donating to help out. Even if it’s just a buck! Learn more at Tweetsgiving.org.

I posted about this a few days ago, setting up a site in memory of my late grandmother. They drilled the first of 333 wells this week. Check out the video here; it’s really quite amazing.

Again, you can set up your own site here.