This post is sponsored by CARE. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine. Please click on the sponsored links because this is an amazing organization. Photo credit: Brian Feagans/CARE
When I read that CARE was helping to beat poverty with doughnuts, I knew I had to write about this empowering and life-changing campaign. After all, these are subjects dear to my heart and I am someone who believes doughnuts are the answer to a surprising number of problems.
Although pretty much everyone has heard of CARE, you may not be aware of some of the creative ways the humanitarian organization is improving the lives of people in some of the poorest communities in the world.
So let me tell you about the doughnuts.
In a small village in the African nation of Malawi, Biti Rose and her husband, Alfred, had to take their son out of school because they couldn’t afford the five dollar uniform. Biti joined a CARE Village Savings and Loan Association, where she ultimately received a $2.00 loan, enabling her to buy ingredients to make doughnuts which she sells for two cents apiece.
Now, Biti Rose is one of the most popular people in her village, selling out her doughnuts every day and making more money than she ever dreamed she could. She and Alfred have reinvested their profits in their kids’ education and in their farm, and were even able to build a house, an act which fills them with pride.
Just take a look at this inspiring video:
This story about a CARE package that brought doughnuts — and hope — to Malawi represents just one of the many ways CARE Knows How to make a difference. Check out their homepage where you’ll learn that CARE Knows How to play with pandas, to make fog drinkable, to prevent malaria with goat poop, to get it done on Capitol Hill.
I am a big believer in teaching people to fish rather than simply giving them the fish, and that’s what CARE is all about.
Please visit the CARE website, make a donation, and sign up to receive updates. You can truly make a difference in someone’s life, dollars to doughnuts.
Saidah Washington (@ApronsStilletos) says
This is amazing. It’s so important to give back to those less fortunate.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It really is important to give back when you can.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Wow, what an amazing campaign! I love to hear stories of people helping the less fortunate,
Heather Lawrence says
Love hearing about campaigns like this!
Helping others is something very near and dear to my heart so hearing this makes my heart sing!
Jennifer at Making Our Life Matter says
What an awesome way to give back to those in need!
Carol Cassara says
I love CARE! and of course, I love doughnuts. Oh, do I. Great charity and good promo!
sherry says
I love this story and giving back! I believe everyone should do something to give back. It doesn’t have to be money but give your time. I hope others in their village follow in their footsteps. Thanks for sharing!
Sheryl says
What a wonderful story! Doughnuts bring so much happiness to people, and this is one of the best stories I’ve heard associated with them.
maria @ closetotohome says
such a great article, americans needs to practice this giving versus learning to achieve success on their own.
Cathy Chester says
I’ve always loved the CARE program since I was young because I knew they did great things to help so many people in need. So great that you wrote this post about them, Lois, to create even more awareness.
Milena says
Such an amazing story! That’s wonderful work that CARE does!
Sarah Bailey says
What a great sounding programme, it isn’t one I have heard of before, but I shall definitely get behind it in future.
Lorane says
Imagine a woman in a not so great position was able to use her resources to not only help herself and her family but also others in her Village. This is an amazing story
Laura Funk says
seriously 2 cents to make a doughnut and afford a 5 dollar uniform. I could not even imagine. Care sounds awesome
Maureen Campaiola says
I support campaigns focused on feeding those in need. I can’t imagine going to bed hungry every night.
aimee fauci says
Love and agree with that also… we must teach people how to survive rather than giving them what they want or need.
Karen D. Austin says
Thank you for showing how a little bit can go a long way to help someone start a new business.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
Stories like this really make you realize what you have. I wish I could donate money for doughnut ingredients!
Murissa says
What a great story and such a small amount made a big difference!
I am also taking on a charity for World Water Day – WaterCan where I plan to raise $600 – enough for 3 water lines to be constructed to 3 villages.
I think Care might be the next charity I take a look at!
becca says
Giving back is something we all should try and do. I have taught son that he should always help those in need.
Pam says
CARE sounds like a great program. I’m always so happy to hear about programs like this that help others change their lives. Sometimes all people need is a little boost!
Liz Mays says
What that loan was so life changing. I love how this program works. It’s such a cool idea!
Lisa at GrandmasBriefs says
What a fabulous story and campaign. Donuts… WOW! Now to read how to make fog drinkable! Amazing stuff here, Lois. Thank you for enlightening us!
Theresa says
What an amazing program! I am sure it has helped empower many people. I also believe in teaching someone to help themselves instead of giving handouts, so this is an organization I can really get behind!
Pam says
I love how CARE empowered Biti Rose to be her own person and take control of her life. That is a great story and the video was very moving.
Ruth Curran says
I love CARE! They are an amazing organization doing life changing work the right way and I am thrilled you chose to promote them. For the record I loved CARE pre-donut promotion :)!
Andi says
I love these types of organizations that lift up people with projects and work rather than just provide money, it makes people feel empowered and that is always a good thing!
Angela Weight says
Oh Lois, what a great story! I absolutely love organizations that don’t just give handouts, but empower people to help themselves and those around them. Biti is a shining example to others that, with the right help, circumstances can change dramatically for the better I want to watch the video but hubby is sleeping next to me and I’m too lazy to get out of bed and leave the room. I’ll leave this tab open as a reminder to watch it tomorrow.
Ann Bacciaglia says
CARE is such an amazing organization. I will have to go to the website and see how i can help.
celebbabylaundry says
Giving back to those with nothing makes me happy, I always support these kind of organizations!
Paula Schuck says
What a great story. I am so glad to hear that she is so successful and making more money than she ever dreamed of. What a fantastic program.
Annie says
Awesome campaign! I love hearing stories about giving to the less fortunate!
Amanda Love says
Wow! A $2 loan caused so much good to happen. That is such an amazing story. I don’t know much about CARE but now I’m going to read up more on them.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great program! I think we take for granted how little it takes to help someone else out.
Rosey says
Making a difference that is more than a Band-Aid. Very definitely worth sharing and celebrating.
Jeanine says
What a remarkable campaign. I haven’t ever heard of this before. I love giving back and feel it’s so important to when and if you can! This is wonderful!
Debbie Denny says
Awesome for Biti. Giving a way to make a life is longlasting.
Rachelle J says
Wow, who would have thought that a doughnut could make such a difference in someone’s life! Great story!
lisa says
What an amazing story! CARE sounds like a great program.
ourfamilyworld says
It is amazing how $2 and donuts can change a life. I like CARE’s mission. So important.
Amber NElson says
This is a great campaign. I love doing positive things to help others!
OurFamilyWorld says
This is such a great program. I love the idea of helping those who have a hard time helping themselves.
Lisa Rios says
Such a wonderful campaign from CARE. After all giving back to the needy is what we all need to do. Biti Rose story is really inspiring & the video says it all.
Censie Sawyer says
What a fantastic campaign. Always love reading about things like this.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
I have to say that I really like this campaign – such for a good cause.
Heather says
This is awesome.I agree that it’s better to teach than to simply give.