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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
James Fischer <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 29 Dec 2001 10:22:14 -0500
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Aaron Morris said:

> There was some concern that Heifer donations intended for
> beekeeping purposes may actually end up in a "general fund".

Those concerns were completely unfounded.

Depending upon what one designates when making a donation,
one can be very specific, even selecting a specific project, and
hence a destination area for one's gift of bees (or whatever).
Heifer is not misleading people and using money designed for
specific purposes in other ways.  There is simply too much
need out there.

I first heard of Heifer when I was given a "gift of a hive of bees"
by my sister a few years ago. The info package included a
very detailed description of the area where the bees were sent,
and a detailed rationale of why bees were a good (excuse the pun)
cash cow for their local terrain and needs.

I serve on my church charity committee, and we requested
detailed information from Heifer, as their programs are a
very clean implementation of "teach a man to fish...".

They are 100% legit, and do lots of onsite follow-up training
on care and proper utilization of the gifts.  Audits are done
to insure that the animals are successful.  In other words,
they would know if a gift of a few goats resulted in a Bar-B-Q.

Monies are clearly pooled by animal type and project.
Our church wanted to optimize the "bang for buck",
and requested a statement from Heifer as to what
projects/animals had needs that exceeded known
funds.  Heifer sent a very large, detailed spreadsheet
on each project.

Heifer's website also addresses these concerns:

http://www.heifer.org/about_hpi/faq.htm#14

  How can I track my gift animal?

  Many people want to know where their gift animals were sent.
  The receipt letter Heifer sends you will indicate the project or
  animal for which your donation has been designated.
  In order to use donations to help the greatest number of
  needy people and to respect the dignity of our project
  participants, we do not track specific animals for donors.
  Heifer monitors each family that receives an animal as part
  of our routine accountability process.

  If you wish to designate your contribution for a specific project,
  Heifer publishes "Project Profiles," an annual publications that
  lists all the current places to which animals are being provided.
  You may request a copy by calling Heifer Donor Services at
  1-800-422-0474. To designate your gift, simply include the project
  number with your contribution. General or "undesignated" Heifer
  donor gifts are pooled and sent to projects where funds are most
  needed

  What is included in Heifer's animal prices?

  The prices listed for Heifer animals include the cost of purchasing
  and transporting quality animals and the training and support
  services Heifer provides project partners

        jim

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