cbm's initiative to help families break the cycle of poverty and disability

How can the gift of a goat this holiday season transform the life of a child in Africa?

"Through cbm Canada's 'Give Joy' catalogue, Canadians can choose gifts that can heal, empower and mobilize families who are trapped in poverty by disabilities," says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada.

In the true spirit of giving joy, cbm offers innovative ways this holiday season for Canadians to help families break the cycle of poverty and disability.

Gifts such as goats, pigs and chickens, can provide a good source of nutrition for children and provide income for parents in the poorest communities of the world.

Even medical procedures and wheelchairs can be given as life transforming gifts providing sight (cataract surgery), the ability to hear, or to give a child mobility.

Stocking stuffers, for under $10, include gifts of baby chicks, a school tool kit, sight saving Vitamin A capsules for children, or mosquito nets for protection for families against malaria.

Canadians can give the gift of good health by funding deep-drilled wells, the training of an ophthalmologist, cataract surgery tool kits or a 4 x 4 patient vehicle to bring patients to cbm clinics.

By giving parents with disabilities micro-financing loans to start their own businesses, Canadians are empowering families to break the cycle of poverty and disability to live more productive joyful lives.

With each gift you give, you receive a JOYful matching card or gift tag that you can keep or pass along to a friend or loved one - someone you're honouring with your gift.

Canadians have an opportunity to give a JOYful gift by visiting www.givejoy.ca or calling cbm Canada at 1-800-567-2264.

Eighty per cent of persons with disabilities - more than 400 million people worldwide - are trapped in poverty with disabilities. cbm's mandate is to bring help and hope to these forgotten people.