Mitzvah ~ day 27

I've been wanting to do this for a long time and today I finally did it. I made a microloan on Kiva!

Kiva's website enables people to lend to someone across the globe who needs money for their business — like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks.

Each loan described on the website has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent — and you get updates letting you know how things are going. And, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back!

I made my loan to a group of 11 people in Bolivia named 16 De Julio Group. Most of the people who make up this group have scant resources, and their income is solely from their small businesses that they set up at Christmas fairs. When they are not selling toys they sell other merchandise like leather goods, bread, food, chicken, and soft drinks. Some provide housecleaning services.

Shortly after I made my loan, 16 De Julio Group completed their loan request of $2,625.00! But I didn't do it alone. 90 people from all over the world lent money to make up the requested amount!

I feel like I'm actually doing a little something about poverty in the world. And most of all, I know that I'm helping someone to build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their families long after my money is paid back.

You can make a loan on Kiva too (it can be as little as $25.00)!