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Give 30 2019
5-01-2019
I am inviting you to join Give 30, a grassroots movement to help those in need and for positive change that's inspired by Ramadan. The 2019 campaign recently launched and runs until August 31 (Ramadan is May 6 - June 3).
The Idea!
I founded Give 30 (give30.org) in 2012 from the tiny seed of an idea I had about 18 years ago: Ramadan saves people money because those who are fasting do not eat during the day. And, since an essential element of Ramadan is learning about hunger and poverty, and being compassionate to those in need, it seemed a perfect way to fight hunger and poverty. Importantly, because Ramadan's spirit of social solidarity is universal I wanted the initiative to welcome everyone regardless of faith or background.
The idea is simple:
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If you're fasting contribute the money you save (or more) from not eating during the month.
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If you're not fasting brown bag your lunch to save money and/or put a value on your lunch, coffee and snacks for 30 days so you can make a contribution.
You'll be amazed at the impact a small behavioural change can have when everyone joins in.
How You Can Help
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Please go to www.give30.org/donate and make a donation for your 30 days of savings (or even more if you are able to do so). Donations are processed by the partner organizations and they issue tax receipts for eligible donations.
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Invite your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to follow your example by telling them why you support Give 30.
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Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/give30 and share stuff from there to your facebook pals during the campaign. Social media is one of the biggest drivers of the campaign so please leverage your networks and influence to bring more people to the movement. Change your Facebook profile photo to the Give 30 logo for the duration of the campaign (logo is attached).
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Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/give_30 and help keep the conversation going about hunger and poverty, and how to help fight it with Give 30.
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I've attached an image (meme) to announce Give 30 2019's launch that you can share via social media to let your networks know about the campaign.
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Spread the word far and wide to your networks across Canada, the United States, Australia and around the planet.
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Add a tagline to your email signature (like the one below my name) for the duration of the campaign.
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Become a Give 30 Ambassador.
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If you want to do more just drop me a note with ideas on how you would like to help.
How Give 30 Has Done So Far
Give 30 has raised almost $1 million since inception. Give 30 supports major organizations addressing hunger and poverty in Canada, the United States and Australia, serving hundreds of thousands of people.
As an added bonus, Give 30 has generated inspiring stories of compassion. From little kids, to lawyers, students, nurses, doctors, and inmates at correctional facilities, Give 30 has united a diverse range of people in common cause.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Consider that the average food bank client has, after housing costs, about $5 a day for all their needs (including food, transit etc.). I've spent almost that much on a fancy hipster coffee some days. I'm not asking you to completely give up your small pleasures in life. All I am asking is that we are deliberate in our choices; mindful of how our neighbours live and the challenges facing them, so that we can put even our small pleasures in context.
Despite living in some of the wealthiest societies on the planet, we still have people, including children, who go to bed hungry or don't have a place to call home. These countries do not have a resource problem. They have a problem of economics, social supports and distribution of wealth. We can, and must, do better; you can help.
The Power of Unity and a Better World for All
We have been witnessing a disturbing rise in hate, ignorance, vulgarity and violence around the world. This is a direct result of tribalism, division and factionalism, which I abhor.
That is why Give 30 is not about any one group or faith; it's about uniting in common humanity. Hunger and poverty know no race, religion, ethnicity, creed, gender or age and that's why it's important for everyone to join Give 30.
When you have a moment, check out our Mission Possible statement of values, goals and vision here. A better world is possible, but it needs your help to become a reality.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to be in touch.
Thank you for your support.
Ziyaad
GIVE 30 2019
Compassion ~ Dignity ~ Unity
w: give30.org - f: /give30 - t: @give_30
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