As we all know, during this crazy month, time can get away from you or you simply just do not have enough of it. So here are a few ideas (for children, as well as, adults) for those last minute gifts when tangible gifts may not arrive in time (and they are actually super beneficial!)
Adopt an Animal – for $100 or less you can make someone smile and help save an animal!
Some great organizations to start with…
International Animal Rescue – this organization is based in the U.K. and right now they are stretched to their limits with the horrible jungle fires in Borneo, home to the endangered Orangutans. Their virtual adoption program will give you access to updated stories and pictures as your adopted Orangutan grows and gets healthy again. You also receive a lovely adoption certificate. Visit the site www.internationalanimalrescue.org
Below image is a male Orangutan photographed at the Memphis Zoo – Memphis, Tennessee (photo credit www.sandy-adams.com)
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (formerly the Digit Fund) – Digit was a young male gorilla that Dian befriended early on in her research in Rwanda. Sadly, Digit was killed by poachers in 1977 and Dian founded the Digit Fund shortly after his death. The name was later changed to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund after Dian’s death in 1985. Dian wrote Gorillas in the Mist, which was an account of her life and work at Karisoke Reach Center in Rwanda and eventually made into a movie starring Sigourney Weaver. Visit the site www.gorillafund.org to donate or adopt a gorilla and to learn more about the Gorilla research, as well as, Dian Fossey’s amazing life.
Below image is a male lowland gorilla photographed at the Memphis Zoo – Memphis, Tennessee (photo credit www.sandy-adams.com)
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary (Hot Springs, South Dakota) – an 11,ooo acre sanctuary located in South Dakota just south of the historic Black Hills. This amazing place and its foundation, the Institute of of Range & the American Mustang, was founded in 1988 by Dayton O. Hyde and is privately owned and operated. The horses that now roam free on this vast land consist of mustangs born in the wild and consist of rescues, rare breed preservation and sanctuary-born descendents. American, Spanish, Curly & Choctaw Mustangs all make their home at this amazing sanctuary. The sanctuary is supported by donations and tourism. I toured this amazing place in July 2010 and absolutely fell in love with the horses. Visit their website to learn how you can donate and/or adopt a mustang. www.wildmustangs.com
