We’re dangerously close to the end of the year. Have you bought your 2014 calendars yet?
If not, Whole Planet Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market, wants to help you help yourself and others at the same time. Whole Planet Foundation helps deserving people in developing areas obtain microloans — small amounts of money (usually less than $300) without a contract or collateral — so they can create or expand their home-based businesses. The foundation has created 2014 calendars, and you need to buy one for everyone you know. Heres why:
- These 2014 calendars are cheap! And by “cheap,” I don’t mean to imply they are of poor quality. They cost 4 bucks. That’s right: 4 bucks! I usually buy my calendars in January or February at 50% off, and they’re pricier than that. The calendars also have colorful pictures of the smiling folks the foundation has helped. What a pleasant way to start a new year.
- They come with coupons. For a measly $4, you get to remember your anniversary and your mom’s birthday. You also come away with $44 worth of coupons for natural and organic products at Whole Foods Market. Decent ROI, don’t you think?
- They have purpose. Thanks to sponsors, 100% of proceeds goes to support Whole Planet Foundation efforts. According to the foundation’s recent press release, calendar sales have generated more than $610,000 since 2006, enabling it to provide opportunities in the form of loans to more than 3,500 deserving, grateful, hardworking people. The foundation aims to raise an additional $250,000 through 2014 calendar sales.
Your Whole Foods 2014 Calendar Purchase Can Help People Like…
- Anne from South Africa, who used her microloan to support her roadside restaurant. She borrowed 1,500 rands — or about $150 — which helped her grow her business. Now, she’s added eggs and chickens (which are high margin staples) to her menu and plans to open a side shop to offer basic goods in addition to her tasty, local meals.
- Pilinasoro of Tanzania, who borrowed about $125 to add capital to her potato stall in the Suweto market. She buys a $28 bag of spuds a day and resells it for a $4 profit. Her goal is to sell a bag per day. $4 a day — the cost of a calendar.
- TuYa from Inner Mongolia, a farmer who raises oxen, pigs, chickens, and sheep. She borrowed $475 to increase the size of and make improvements to her aging farm. Her story on the Whole Planet Foundation web site reveals that “her dream is to continue to save in order to make home improvements that will provide greater comfort in her small house as she grows older.”
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. I’m going to contribute to the cause. Won’t you join me?
Image Credits: Shutterstock
Great resource! And cheap.