“Oh, not another floral tie!” The thought of having to wear another tacky gift or display that plastic trophy on his desk for another 12 months made him nervous. Recently, a friend was apprehensively telling me about the gifts he was expecting for Father’s Day.
Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas: the calendar is full of dates that we often struggle to find gifts for. We sometimes celebrate these occasions by falling for a ridiculously priced card or worse, we spend money on a token stocking filler that ends up being resold. Gumtree had almost 21 million “regifted” items appear after Christmas. In fact, it was estimated that Aussies’ received about $630 million worth of unwanted presents last Christmas. And 60% of Kiwis say they receive at least one unwanted gift on Christmas Day.
From this recent conversation, I did a quick search for gifts that matter. That is, gifts that really do keep on giving by blessing others beyond the immediate. I offer these alternatives to challenge our materialistic spending.
So, if you need a gift that is appreciated, shows your generous heart and makes a real difference to people’s lives have a look at these.
Fuel for Father’s Day:
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) reach some of the world’s most remote areas with the love of Christ. Providing medical assistance, transport, educational support, and mission, their work has blessed lives for over 70 years.
However, flying around 27 countries requires funds to fuel their 128 aircraft. “Fuel for Father’s Day” is a campaign where people can buy a card in the shape of a Jerry Can or a Tool Box, as a gift to their Dad on Father’s Day. All the proceeds go to keeping their planes in the air. http://maf.org.au/events/fuel-for-fathers-day/
Cards that count:
With a heart for helping the most vulnerable, MAP Photography is a not-for-profit business that makes gift cards for all occasions. This supports International Justice Mission (IJM) who rescue children and people trapped in sexual slavery and cybersex trafficking.
Instagram: merissa1236 or Facebook:@nothingisimpossible4u
Others:
TEAR have gifts that make a difference including gifts that support Indigenous Australians. https://www.usefulgifts.org/
Love Mercy Foundation has a range of gifts and cards that support villages in Uganda. https://lovemercyfoundation-org.secure.mycms.com.au/store
Compassion has gifts that make a difference - from cards to sponsoring toilet blocks. https://www.compassion.com.au/gifts-of-compassion
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover1.html
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