david's doodles

Merry Micro Christmas

Searching for web development ideas, I just came across a project that seems eminently worthwhile.

The idea of micro-credit is well-known, and has been around for a considerable time. Perhaps the best known example is the Grameen Bank, which has made very small loans to several million poor Bangladeshis, enabling many to climb out of severe poverty. The idea I came across works somewhat in reverse.

The project is called the Footprints Network. It is an Australian based alliance of e-commerce businesses. By collecting tiny donations from customers purchasing online, the network is able to fund worthy projects around the world. The organization works with charities and non-governmental organizations that aim to eradicate extreme poverty. It works by requesting a donation of, say, one dollar with every online purchase. With the proceeds, the Network has funded projects by Oxfam Australia, the Silk Route Project, and several others, to the tune of several thousands of dollars.

As Anita Roddick once said:

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t been in bed with a mosquito.

This holiday season, it is cheering to realize that people worldwide are working hard to alleviate suffering, and to create a better place to live.

Happy New Year, everyone.