The Harlem Globetrotters did much more than just talk about #GivingTuesday this week – several players donated their faces to charity by taking part in the Christian humanitarian agency World Vision's “#GOATee for a Good Cause” campaign.
Over the past month, five iconic players and the Globetrotters’ CEO, Kurt Schneider, each grew a #GOATee to raise awareness about how goats and other livestock gifts can help break the cycle of poverty in developing countries. As part of Giving Tuesday – a national day devoted to charitable giving – they debuted their stylish stubble on Twitter (@Globies and @WorldVisionUSA) and are encouraging fans to take part in the campaign by gifting a goat in World Vision’s 2015 Gift Catalog to a child in need.
Why a #GOATee for a goat?
"Being a part of something bigger than yourself is not easy when you’re 6’8" and 225 pounds," says Globetrotter’s star Zeus McClurkin. “By doing something as basic as not shaving for a month, I’m helping World Vision bring awareness to how a healthy goat can provide lifesaving nutrients and a lasting income for a family in need. Fans have noticed my new look, which is exciting because it gives me a chance to explain how they can share big dreams with a child through a simple gift.”
Recent scientific studies show livestock aid is successful in giving the extremely poor a large and lasting economic boost out of poverty. That’s just one reason goats are the most popular item every year in World Vision’s Gift Catalog. For a donation of $75 just one goat can:
• Nourish a hungry family with up to 16 cups of milk a day
• Provide a source of income for families to sell surplus milk, cheese and yogurt which can be used to buy needed medical or school supplies
• Supply valuable fertilizer to help crops and vegetable gardens thrive
• Produce up two offspring a year, which can be shared with neighbors to lift an entire community out of poverty
Goats are just one way to give back this holiday season. World Vision’s Gift Catalog features over 100 other life-saving gifts that can be donated in a loved one’s name this holiday season. Shoppers can also choose to send a personalized card describing the gift and its impact. You don’t have to spend a fortune to bring about tremendous social change. Gifts in the catalog range from $16 (the price of an average t-shirt) to $39,000. In fiscal year 2015 alone, more than 122,000 donors gave more than 297,000 items from the Gift Catalog helping more than 650,000 people around the world.
To find out more about World Vision’s Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or call 1-855-WV-GIFTS.
