Janet K. Ginn, President and CEO of the Heifer Foundation, second from left, with CCWC members (L to R) Peggy Word, Joann Burrows and Betsy Dort.
The International Affairs Department of the GFWC Clearwater Community Woman's Club presented a very moving program featuring Janet K. Ginn, President and CEO of the Heifer International Foundation based in Arkansas. Ginn has traveled the world spreading the story of the Heifer Foundation and how it is possible for one person to make a difference in today's world.
Dan West founded the program, after seeing during World War II what a difference it made to give a child a cup of powdered milk. He wondered, "If a cup of milk made such a difference, what would a cow do?" In 1944 the first shipment of cows went on one of the Victory ships to Puerto Rico. The program is now in 38 states and 128 countries. Thirty-eight million people have been assisted. Now not only cows, but also chickens, goats, donkeys, camels, oxen beehives and more are given to recipients. Each family that receives a Heifer animal promises to "pass on the gift" by giving one or more of their animal's offspring to another family in need. Families also receive training in preserving their natural resources, increasing their income and become more self-reliant. This commonsense approach works, one family at a time.
In a world 800 million people go to bed hungry each night, the Heifer program is making a difference. Ginn suggested several ways anyone can help one person at a time. A donation of only $20 will purchase a flock of chicks for a needy family. A goat can be purchased for $120, from which a family can obtain milk to make cheese to sell Club members, Peggy Word and Joann Burrows who visited the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, this past summer, were so impressed by the concept that they invited Ginn to speak to the club members to help spread the word about this unique concept. After hearing Ginn presentations members donated over $1000 to help further the programs goal of solving world hunger by 2010.
To learn more about Heifer International check out their web site at www.heifer.org. For more information on the Clearwater Community Woman's Club visit www.clearwatercwc.org.
