For Mother's Day, Give the Gift of Joy

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 7, 2012) – A new shareable infographic from Heifer International shows that in 2010, Americans spent $13.6 billion on Mother's Day. $1.9 billion of that was spent on perishable flowers. But mothers don't necessarily want extra "stuff" on this day – they want a present with meaning. With a Heifer International gift, you can provide joy – to your mother, and to a family in need.

Mother's Day is a chance to show mom that you care – about her, and about the values that she conferred on you. An animal gift from Heifer International will provide nutrition, income, and inspiration to a family that is now battling hunger. With a beautiful printable honor card, you can show your mother exactly how her gift of livestock and training is providing hope to another family.

Moms are special people, who always want the best for their kids. But meeting those needs is easier for some mothers than others; women in developing nations often struggle to provide their children with schooling, medicine, or even healthy food. Look at Mandira Bote, from Nepal.

Mandira grew up longing to go to school but knowing that she wouldn't be able to; any money for school was always spent on the boys. Once married, the women in her community suffered in poverty as part of a marginalized caste. When the women were able to join a project with Heifer International, though, they received hardy goats and valuable training that made them more self-reliant. The goats give milk and reproduce for additional income. Now, Mandira has finished high school and is saving for her children's education – both boys and girls.

With such a simple gift, in your mother's name, you can provide hope and opportunity to another struggling family. It could be the most powerful Mother's Day gift of all.

About Heifer International:
Heifer's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.  For more information, visit
www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918.