If the title of this blog post sounds confusing, just bear with me… Kiva is a micro-lending organization that I support. Micro-lending is a way that people in third world countries can borrow money (without getting scalped by crazy interest rates) for things like reeds to weave baskets, or a goat to start a goat cheese business. Amounts that seem tiny to us, but can literally change their life and provide their kids with food and an education. Many of these loans come with business training and mentoring support. It’s amazing how much difference these small amounts can make!

And of course, you’re not just giving them food, which will eventually run out… and then what? You’re providing them with the tools they need to create their own food source, or support structure – in a way that EMPOWERS them and provides dignity. Seriously. What could be better?

So, because I have been loaning money through Kiva, they sent me this promo link – which means that if you click this link right now, you will be able to make a $25 loan to a third world entrepreneur – for free! Kiva and Ladies Home Journal will cover your loan amount for you. I guess they’re hoping that you’ll enjoy the experience so much, once you’ve done it once, that you’ll keep going. But act quickly as these free trials will likely be snapped up fast.

I urge you to give it a try and if you’ve got kids or grandkids, let them make the choice of who to lend to! You’ll then receive updates via email on the progress of your loan project and how the person is doing:

Click here to make your free loan donation…

When you go to this webpage, you’ll notice that the loans can be made to any of the 1021 women seeking funding – women, not men. Now I’m not sure if this is because Ladies Home Journal is the sponsor… but it reminds me of something I read in Mohammed Yunus’ book, Banker To The Poor (fantastic book, by the way). Yunus pioneered the micro-lending model and as he was the first one, he did loads of experimentation to find out what factors influenced whether people would repay the loans, what traits made for the most successful loan recipients, etc.

And Yunus found that women were the most reliable people to lend money to. Because whilst men might use their success to buy snazzy clothes, alcohol, or get a mistress, the women made sure the money was used to better the living conditions of the children and family. The women entrepreneurs typically ensured the children were fed and clothed first, then the children were educated, then they would get a better house, and then they might buy themselves a new sari. Yunus found that loaning to women also increased their husband’s respect and appreciation for them and lessened their abuse.

So anyway, what are you waiting for? Get this $25 out to someone who deserves a chance and feel the true Christmas blessing of being able to give to someone truly in need and make a significant difference in their life:

Click here to donate $25 for FREE!

These free trials will likely get snapped up quickly, so don’t wait!

Soar higher,

Jini