Happy birthday, Libro
I’m proud to celebrate Libro’s third birthday today! In August 2009, I really had no idea that I would be working for myself full time, doing such varied things as transcription, writing and editing as well as thesis proofreading, which is what I started out doing.
I am going to have a small celebration at some stage soon, perhaps with friends of Libro, perhaps just with Matthew. I was considering marking the occasion by buying myself something, perhaps a piece of jewellery. But then I had a better idea.
I’ve been doing Kiva loans for a while now: we’ve got two loans on the go and re-loan them as they get paid back. Now I’ve helped to fund five more women entrepreneurs (which means those loans will be on-going too and help more people as they get paid back). Kiva funds grassroots organisations that help people do small, sustainable things that will make a difference to their lives. Here are the groups and people I’ve chosen to donate to. I’ve also made a donation to LUCIA, a charity close to my heart, run by friends from the Library where I used to work, who do the same kind of work in Ethiopia.
So, I’ve helped these women:
These ladies are in Paraguay, where my friend Sandy spent her year out at University, and they make textiles, which is an interest of mine.
This lady from the Lebanon supplies special food for Ramadan – an appropriate time of year to lend to her!
This group of ladies in Mali (location of Timbuktu, twin town of Hay-on-Wye) have already had and repaid several loans.
This lady goes spear fishing to send her children to school. A bit different from sitting at a desk typing to afford to buy millions of books!
And this lady is from Georgia – I met someone from Georgia at the Social Media Surgery last month, so that seemed appropriate.
If you want to start using Kiva, you can have a FREE $25 Kiva loan to make to an individual or organisation: follow this link to sign up and get your first loan for free! (the management of Kiva have sponsored a certain number of free loans to encourage people to sign up).
Thank you for everyone’s support of me and Libro over these three exciting years. Here’s to the next three!
There had to be a cuppa and a bun somewhere in this post …
LibroEditing proofreading, editing, transcription, localisation 
wyldetwo
August 1, 2012 at 8:51 am
What a great idea – Happy Birthday and hope you have a lovely celebration too!
LikeLike
Liz at Libro
August 1, 2012 at 8:52 am
Thank you, Jen!
LikeLike
Paula Martin
August 1, 2012 at 8:57 am
What a great way to celebrate! Happy Birthday Libro!
LikeLike
Liz at Libro
August 1, 2012 at 8:59 am
Thanks, Paula!
LikeLike
Kate Millin
August 1, 2012 at 9:01 am
Hi Liz,
What a lovely idea. I had a lot of credit so I have joined you in the Paraguay as I loved the crafts there when I visited, and the Mali loan.
Kate
LikeLike
Liz at Libro
August 1, 2012 at 9:01 am
Thank you, Kate, and that’s brilliant!
LikeLike
Jan Carr
August 1, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Oh Liz, what a splendid idea. I’m keen to support you on this but am a little reluctant to get involved with either credit cards or Paypal while travelling as I’ve had horrid experiences and become involved with card scams in two successive years. I will make at least two loans when I return home in respect of Libro’s birthday – that’s a promise. Do enjoy the success you and Libra have had as well as those you have encouraged through Kiva.
LikeLike
Liz at Libro
August 1, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Thank you so much, Jan, and I’ll look forward to seeing who you decide to loan to (I was disappointed not to be able to find anyone in Australasia, as I wanted to loan on all five continents!). Completely understand that you don’t want to do it while travelling, and I so appreciate the support!
LikeLike
Tammy Ditmore
August 1, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Happy Libro birthday! I’m inspired by the wonderful way you have chosen to celebrate!
LikeLike
Liz at Libro
August 1, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Thank you, Tammy!
LikeLike