World Vision Catalog. Gifts with a double purpose + Ornament Giveaway!

I was recently asked to review an item from the World Vision Catalog. I have to say that I am honored to receive something so meaningful, heartfelt and beautiful. I chose for review and giveaway, the wire ornament set (donations of $150 or more), pictured above. When you purchase certain items, like the ornaments, your donation will go to the Maximum Impact Fun to help where it’s needed most. I’ll tell you a little more about the ornaments in a moment but first I want to explain what World Vision and the World Vision Catalog are.

Who we are
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Who we serve
We serve close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Why we serve
Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.

The catalog features over 250 items between the online and print version. Gifts range in price from a mere $16 all the way up to $39,000! Gifts can be purchased in the name of a family member, teacher, co-worker or child. The items, like the ornaments, are gorgeous but the real beauty of these items is the two-for-one benefit they provide:

1. A meaningful and affordable gift for a loved one;
2. Proceeds that make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty in the U.S. and around the world.

A lot of charities are country specific but World Vision benefits children all over the world. Even right here in the US. One gift you can choose is the “Feed a family for a day” ($16)
With a financial contribution, the gift giver selects one of 36 items that can be given to someone on a holiday gift list and at the same time help a person in need.

You can also choose to purchase self-sustainable gifts like goats, chickens and bee hives. These gifts are great because they are ongoing and provide nourishment for the entire family.

The ornaments I chose are part of the “2 for 1”. You receive a tangible product while your money spent goes as a donation to help a family in need. They are absolutely beautiful too. These ornaments are handmade Zakale wire and bead items from Nairobi. Zakale means “reuse” which means they are crafts made from recycled materials by a group of Kenyan artisans reclaiming their own lives from poverty. They are just as beautiful in person as they are in the catalog photo too. The ornament is made very well and of great quality. The beads are beautiful and the wire is very sturdy. My family and I are extremely happy to place these on our tree this year!

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One very lucky reader is going to receive a set of these ornaments too! Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. It is quick and simple.

Here is a video showing more how the catalog works:

Giveaway ends Thursday, December 8, 2011. Winner will be chosen randomly from all entries using the Rafflecopter widget service.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary set of ornaments for review and giveaway from WorldVision.org. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.