With Christmas fast approaching people are already starting to research new ideas for Christmas gifts. The pressure to come up with something ‘unique’ increases each year and in the current economic climate another important consideration is price. A fantastic way to meet both of these criteria is through charity gifts. Giving a Christmas charity gift means that you’re not only giving someone a fun gift which they most definitely won’t already own, but most importantly the money you spend on charity gifts will go to a good cause and help some of the world’s poorest people and endangered species.
In the build up to Christmas we’ll be profiling some of the UK’s best charity gift shops and looking at some of the ways in which you can make a difference to those who are in most need of your help this Christmas. First up is the WWF animal adoption gifts which was our best selling gift last Christmas.
Animal Adoption – The World’s Most Endangered Species Are Heading For Extinction. Adopt An Animal This Christmas.
Throughout history both plant species and animals have evolved over time and have adapted to survive in very specific environments. These fragile eco-systems are threatened by the specter of climate change which according to more and more studies is now accelerating and happening faster than we had previously feared. This leaves our animals unable to adapt in time. WWF are an internationally recognised charity that is fighting to help the world’s engendered species. They offer a hugely popular animal adoptions charity gift which gives the recipient a choice of a polar bear, elephant, orangutan, tiger, dolphin or panda to adopt along with a cuddly toy and regular information via a newsletter. Why not adopt an animal for someone this Christmas with adoptions starting from just three pounds per month – a great charity gift for children and adults alike. Here’s some information on how some of the animal adoption packages that WWF offer will go to help animals that are endangered –
Polar Bear Adoption
Recent studies have indicated that the polar bear could disappear entirely in the wild unless the rate of climate change is drastically halted or at least global warming slows down. Polar bears use fragile sea ice as floating platforms in order to hunt and catch their prey. Present estimates suspect that the ice is melting at a rate of 9% every decade and is now at its lowest ever levels. Please adopt a polar bear this Christmas and help WWF to save polar bears from extinction. The special lady in your life will not only appreciate seeing your soft side but will also be impressed with your supporting of a good cause through a polar bear adoption.
Tiger Adoption
Tigers are also threatened by climate change, especially in the Indian and Bangladeshi Sunderbans, where sea level rises and an increase in salinity is dramatically reducing their habitat. This often ends in tragic circumstances for both Tigers and humans with the number of Tiger attacks on people in this region the highest ever. The decimation of their natural environment is bringing humans and tigers in to greater contact which is bad news for both – the tigers are hunted and killed due to a natural fear from humans and the tigers see people as a new food source. Other areas where tiger populations are at worryingly low levels include Sarawak and Nepal. Adopt a tiger with the WWF this Christmas and help to protect endangered tigers across the world. A tiger adoption would be a great charity gift for any men out there who like to think that they’re a tiger when it comes to the art of seduction!
Adopt An Elephant
The African elephant is facing a whole range of threats to its natural habitat including reduced living space. This again brings them more frequently into unnatural contact and conflict with human beings. With less space available, they are no longer able to escape any changes to their natural habitat being caused by global warming. An Elephant adoption is a great way of helping these gentle giants and raising awareness of their plight. Adopt an Elephant for the mother in law this Christmas and you’ll never have to endure another Sunday lunch again!
Adopt An Orangutan
The last two remaining global strongholds for orangutans are in the Indonesian rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Despite some fantastic efforts from the orangutan sanctuaries these noble and ancient species are still being threatened by oil palm plantations and also the affects of climate change which are increasing the duration and frequency of droughts in their natural habitat. Adopt an orangutan for the special man in your life this Christmas and enjoy endless jokes about the similarities between him and your new hairy orange pet!
