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For the most part, we’re very, very fortunate to live in Canada.  People elsewhere are not always so lucky.  As most of you know, I am a fan of the micro-finance site KIVA.  Over the last few years, we’ve been supporting various individuals around the world with loans to help them build businesses and improve life for their families.  It is very rewarding to see the progress they’ve made and I log into the site a number of times per month to review my loan portfolio.

At present, an anonymous person donated a sizeable dollar figure to KIVA which is being used to attract new lenders to the site.  If you register, you can receive a free $25 starter loan amount which you can then direct to a loan applicant of your choice.  If you choose to make further loans – great!  If not, then at least you’ve made a $25 loan and learned a little about micro-finance.  You can receive your free loan amount here.

There is no cost to sign up and KIVA does not sell your information.  I know of some retirees who use KIVA and I know of a parent who uses KIVA to help teach his children about geography and cultures around the world; there is no age limit!  For more information on KIVA behind the scenes, you can read the 2011 annual report which is in a graphic format and actually quite interesting to review.  For a quick overview of how KIVA works, you can read more here.

Thanks, take advantage of the free $25 starter loan and have fun!

Cheers,

Ben