Springtime always brings fresh energy. We finally crack our windows open to let in that crisp, fresh air. Our homes feel sun-soaked and bright, restoring our sense of hope. We pull out a notebook and jot down a to-do list, spurred on by the change of seasons. Hope does that to us—it moves us into action.
What are you taking action on this spring? Finally tackling that closet clean-out? Booked that overdue appointment? Laced up to get some steps in?
Good things happen when we act with hope.
What if you could maximize that hope this spring? With Gifts of Compassion, you can do just that. Gifts of Compassion gives you the year-round opportunity to make a heartfelt, intentional impact in the life of a child in poverty.
Did you know? Gifts of Compassion can be given all year round—not just at Christmastime!
Every gift is handpicked by Compassion’s local church partners to meet the needs of children in their community. You can feel confident that your generosity will have a life-transforming impact.
Today we have 3 gifts we think you’ll love giving this springtime—perfect for adding to that hope-inspired to-do list you’ve got going!
1. Vegetable Seeds
“I really enjoy planting seeds and instead of buying vegetables at the local market, now we get them in our backyard and eat healthier. I know that many children my age don’t like vegetables, but I love eating salads of cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage—especially because I grew them myself.” – Valeria from Honduras
Perhaps your to-do list has a trip to the garden store, or maybe you’ve set aside some time to get working in your backyard. Spring is the perfect time to be thinking about planting a garden.
Vegetable seeds can be a life-saving gift for a child in poverty—providing both food security and the opportunity for income generation. With your gift, Compassion’s local church partners ensure that families are given quality vegetable seeds as well as the necessary equipment to maintain a flourishing garden. This enables a family to have nutritious food to both eat and sell.
Add to your checklist: Plant seeds of hope
2. Soccer Coach Training in Kenya
Football is a sport commonly played by boys in her community, but Anny breaks the stereotype. She leads a group of girls to play football to encourage them, not only through physical activity, but through encouragement in their personal lives.
“Sign up for soccer.” Is this on your spring to-do list? Soccer season is just getting started, along with other team sports that fill our sunny evenings or weekends. Maybe you are signing up yourself or coordinating your kids’ activities, but no matter who’s on the roster, we know that there is value in it!
The sports industry in Kenya has expanded to employ 12.9 per cent of youth entering the workforce. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the country and can provide work opportunities in schools, sports clubs and other youth-based organizations. This puts soccer coaches in demand and provides proximity to impacting the lives of youth in the country.
With your gift, you provide 100 students from across Kenya with education and certification in coaching soccer. This gift also provides these same students with training to disciple and teach life-skills to other children and youth.
Add to your checklist: Make hope the goal
3. Job Skills Training for Moms
“I was asked if I wanted to learn pastry making, and I immediately said yes. We already had an oven we had received as a wedding gift. I was enthusiastic about learning something new. We are so happy and thankful to God and the centre for the support we received,” says Neisa, Daniel’s mother.
Maybe your to-do list has a note about Mother’s Day: pick up flowers, write a card, choose a gift. This special springtime day has us celebrating the women who have chosen to invest in our lives. Rightfully so, they deserve their spot on our to-do list! Perhaps this Mother’s Day, you are inspired to give an impactful gift in honour of a special woman in your life?
Empowering moms is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty. Providing moms with the training and tools to develop new skills and enhance old ones helps them confidently secure jobs to help them provide for their families. When equipped and empowered, moms can make better decisions and choices for themselves and their families.
Add to your checklist: Employ hope
Give Job Skills Training for Moms
