Passing on the Gift

"Passing on the gift" is fundamental to Heifer's entire approach.

As people share the offspring of their animals – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – an expanding network of hope, dignity and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. These women are participating in a Passing on the Gift ceremony in Nepal, a ceremony that demonstrates the community growth through Heifer's work.

"Passing on the Gift" creates a living cycle of sustainability that develops community and enhances self-esteem by allowing project partners to become donors.

In Rwanda, Christine Makahumure showed the true meaning of passing on the gift.

In 1994 genocidal war that raked Rwanda destroyed everything Christine had. She saw her son and husband shot to death when they were caught in a crossfire. When the fighting ended, Christine was barely able to feed her daughter and parents.

But then she received a Heifer cow. The milk supplemented the family's meager diet, and she was able to buy a small home with income from selling milk.

Christine gave her first calf to a neighbor – but she didn't stop there. She provided money so her neighbors could build and apply for their own Heifer cow. And she adopted four war orphans and became a living example of passing on the gift.

Pass on your own gift: Give a charitable gift from Heifer's Gift Catalog.