As our business grows we like to put something back by helping out the third world communities that aren’t fortunate enough to have a studio full of Apple macs and iphones on-hand to help themselves improve their socio-economic situation. We donate a certain sum of money each year (based on how well our business has been running that year) to helping third world countries get a leg up , we do this in conjunction with the Oxfam Unwrapped gift aid service.

To keep a track on our donation (and to encourage us to do more) we keep an annual track by producing this graphic showing how our donation has helped out by showing what we have spent our money on..It looks like for this year we’ll need a bigger graphic.

Chickens : “A handful of hens will provide a regular supply of food for families who are starting again from scratch.”

Goats : “Goats go only where they’ll thrive, and to owners who’ll really appreciate the extras they provide – there’s fertiliser to spread, milk to drink and sell, plus kids too.Goats, bought locally, also give nomadic communities (who don’t stay in one place for long) a mobile source of income.”

Vet Care : This little gift makes a big contribution to the vaccinations and veterinary care of goats, donkeys, sheep and other livestock around the world. Healthy animals mean happy owners, because they keep on getting the best from their four-legged friends.”

Forest : “This manage a forest gift will help a community to plant new trees, maintain old ones, and train people in responsible forestry skills. From little acorns…”

Schoolteachers : “Thousands of children around the world can’t wait to start learning – all they need is a teacher. Not ‘rocket science’, we know. You can make their dreams a reality by helping to train more teachers and give them the support they need to do an even better job and inspire even more children.

Alpaca : “This support an alpaca farmer gift will train farmers how to look after their animals and provide advice on getting the best price for their alpaca wool.”

Bees : The advantages of having these industrious little chaps must bee seen to bee believed! Honey can not only make things taste more yummy, but it can generate income for food, medicines and school fees.

Dove of Peace : “This pressie includes bees, hives, training in beekeeping and honey production, and selling techniques.Make love, not war! Well sort of. This pressie will help communities to get together (not as easy as it sounds) so that people can talk, listen to each other, and sort out their differences – peacefully.”

For 2008 our Xmas card budget has gone into buying 2 bicycles :

“If your nearest school is two hours’ walk away, its tiring getting there and back everyday.
Just £39 means we can give a child a bike, so they can cover the ground in no time.
Parents are more likely to send their children to school if they can get home quicker.
It’s less tiring, they’ll have more time to play, do their homework and help out at home.”

You can see this in action here