Christian aid groups launch virtual gifts for Christmas -11/11/05

Christian aid groups are making their mark in the run up to Christmas by launching a range of innovative and creative virtual gifts which will provide some great inspiration for shoppers, but also aid some of the world's poorest people.

Christian aid charity World Vision were first off the mark this year, followed by Oxfam with their online Oxfam Unwrapped gift collection selling the unusual virtual gifts. The scheme allows goats, chickens, sheep, clean water systems and even bogs to be sent to people in the developing world on someone else's behalf.

The Christian charity has now been joined by Christian Aid, who this week launched their Present Aid site, also selling 'virtual' gifts including such delights cans of worms for farmers in Bolivia.

People using the sites say that they love the creative virtual gifts because they really value the unique presents they can buy for their friends and family, while changing the lives of some of the world's poorest children and families - whether it be as part of the Make Poverty History campaign or helping victims of recent disasters and famines.

It can all be done quickly and easily online. People simply visit the aid agency websites, choose their gift, and a message for the person on whose behalf they are sending the gift.

A card then arrives for Christmas with the person on whose behalf the gift has been sent, telling them what has been given on their behalf.

This year visitors to the sites can also create their own creative and inspiring alternative Christmas gift lists online, including personalised welcome pages. Those setting up their lists can even upload their own photograph (Santa hat and all if that is their thing).

Friends and family are then emailed with a link to the list so they can access it buy the requested gifts online.

The gift giving can be tracked by logging into a personal account at any time. Messages can also be left with season's greetings on a personalised message board.

The sites have won widespread support. Ronan Keating who was sent by Christian Aid to see the effects of the gifts in action observes; "I have seen the value small-scale farmers get from keeping goats. So it's the kind of gift I would be really happy to give. To help transform someone's life in one of the world's poorest countries is the right thing to do."

The results in terms of aid are also significant. Oxfam says that through their alternative gifts over 5,000 children have been immunised against six childhood killer diseases. Over 12,000 fruit trees have been planted, growing produce both to eat and sell. 3,000 children have had their sight restored through cataract operations.

You can find out more and get the Christian Aid gifts from Christian Aid's Present Aid site here