HELP THE AGED WE WILL!

Hi everyone,

I know this isn't quite about animal welfare, but I received a note from Help the Aged today, and I felt that I should put up a post about this organisation.

I first heard about this organisation back in 1996, when I first arrived in Cambridge University to start my degree. It was then known as Adopt a Granny. Although I was just a first year university student who didn't have too much money, I decided that I would put aside GBP12 a month for this charitable organisation. The reason for my decision at the time was because I felt that I had to give something back to the world as I realised that I was so much luckier than alot of other people. You see I had received a full scholarship from Sime Darby Berhad to further my education in the UK after completing my A-Levels. And without this I would never have been able to obtain my tertiary education as we just could not afford it.

It has been 10 years since I have started contributing to this organisation. I haven't heard much from the organisation as I never got round to updating my address with them after I returned to Malaysia. However I knew that they were still helping millions of aged persons around the world as my UK Bank Account Statements continued to indicate that my standing order with the organisation was still active.

I recently found the time to update my address with the organisation, now known as Help the Aged and have been receiving regular updates on the organisations activities since. This year they have a new scheme for Christmas which I thought was a brilliant one. It's called Cows 'N' Things.

Basically the scheme is simple: whereby instead of buying gifts that may not be wanted for your loved ones, you can buy a gift for an aged person.

I am sure every year each and everyone of you rack your brains trying to find the perfect gift, usually spending tons of money, for a loved one or a friend. And more often than not, the gift would not be one that's of any use to that person. (I am also sure alot of us have also received gifts from people that we just chuck into the closet to be forgotten).

So this year, instead of buying something that may not be appreciated, why not spend your money at Cows 'N' Things and purchase a gift in the name of your loved one or friend. From as little as GBP5, you can purchase a gift for the needy, and in return you will receive a Christmas card from the organisation to send to whoever you were buying the gift for, explaining what a great present you've bought them. If you prefer, an electronic Christmas card can also be provided for you to send out.

You can make a difference. Every little bit counts! Please Help the Aged!

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Here's a quick note from the organisation:

Why Cows 'n' Things?

Cows 'n' Things is an online gift shop produced by Help the Aged, an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

100 million older people in developing countries survive on less than fifty pence a day making them among the world's most vulnerable citizens. When disasters strike they are usually at the bottom of priority lists and international aid organisations do not always know how best to meet their needs.

Yet it is older people who make a positive and invaluable contribution to keeping families together when communities are depleted by war, HIV/AIDS, famine or drought.

The international work of Help the Aged is unique. We are committed to providing help and support for older people wherever it is needed. Cows 'n' Things sells 'virtual' gifts that raise money to fund these development projects. See some of the older people we've helped.

Every time you buy a gift from Cows 'n' Things not only do you make a friend or family member happy, but you also make a real contribution to improving the lives of disadvantaged older people around the world.


How it works

Christmas is the time of year when our thoughts turn to giving. Cows 'n' Things is a website designed to offer everybody a chance to purchase a gift that could make a real difference to the life of a disadvantaged older person.

Cows 'n' Things lets you use the money you would have spent on friends or family to help older people in a developing country while making your family and friends feel good, too.

After deciding on an amount that you would like to give, you can scroll through the gifts on offer by using the 'browse gifts' buttons and then select individual items by clicking the 'add to basket' button.

You can buy just one gift or as many as you like. It's that simple.

When you're done, click 'go to checkout'. You will then be asked to fill in your address and payment details.

You will then have the chance to request that we send you a Cows 'n' Things card by post so that you can surprise the person the gift is for. You will also have the opportunity to send an email from Cows 'n' Things telling them about their gift. It's your choice, you can do one or both; all we ask is that you choose to help us make a difference.