Nobody knows better than our own Heifer staff how great it is to give Heifer gifts in honor of friends and family members. So here are a few recommendations straight from the horses's mouth!
Annie Bergman, our Global Communications Director, loves pigs the most:
The pig is my favorite. They’re smart, playful and have loads of babies for farmers to sell to turn a profit. Plus, piglets. Need I say more?
Ingrid Ariñez, Regional Programs Manager for the Americas, picked alpacas:
My favorite animal to give for the holidays are alpacas. Alpacas provide cozy, soft fiber that make warm sweaters, scarfs, gloves, hats, dresses, coats and other clothes and handicrafts. Their fiber can be very expensive and can provide a source of income to many families in the highlands. Their meat is also very nutritious and low in fat and now exported to many places in the world. Alpacas come in many different colors, and sizes. Alpacas are very gentle and curious and with training can become great pets.
Reda Underwood, one of our HR Specialists, had two favorite picks:
Goats are really fun, and always bring a smile to my face to watch or interact with them. My favorite animal to give is a flock of chicks because it is super affordable and can still provide a significant impact on the lives of women and their families.
Our Executive Communications Manager, Brooke Edwards, put another word in for goats:
I love goats because they’re great for small farms, and they have quirky “personalities.” They are very productive, and they can be raised in a way that gives back to the Earth.
Communication Intern Misti Hollenbaugh's pick is influenced by a beloved childhood cartoon:
My love for water buffalo stems from my Veggie Tales-infested childhood and Larry’s declaration that everybody has a water buffalo. While I never had my own water buffalo, they’re super easy to give through Heifer! Water buffalo are basically tractors that poop. They can help plow fields and carry heavy loads, plus they don’t rely on fuel, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly!
Cathrine Schwader, one of our Africa Programs Officers, spoke for the bees:
I would choose honeybees as my favorite animal to give, even if they aren't as funny as goats, because of my personal connection with bee keepers and knowing about all the benefits of honeybees.
