Why the Sign?

I've had a few questions about why I choose to wear the goat sign to raise money. Good question! Well, for starters, I needed some money for my goat. Secondly, I am not comfortable asking people for money for my goat, so I decided that by wearing the sign, people would therefore have the choice as to whether or not they wanted to ask me. When people DO ask me about the sign, I almost always say "I'm glad you asked that..." and then I tell them that sadly I don't actually have a goat (some people think that I do) and that I am actually collecting change to buy one. Then they usually have more questions about it and I try and answer them. But yes, I never really ASK anyone for money: I just tell them what I'm doing and then let it float.

Because here's the thing-- even if people don't donate money to me directly, I've planted the idea about buying charitable goats into their brain. And they'll think about it and maybe they'll buy and goat or maybe they'll tell a friend and they'll buy a goat and so on and so on.

Actually, since I started my goat quest (yesterday) I have come up with a few other sign ideas that might also stir up some conversation and raise some money.

Example #1
Sheep are another great animal to give this Christmas. The fluffy ewes are given to people who are then taught how to grow the necessary fodder to support their sheep. Sheep breed quickly and families can soon see the benefit of their hard work.

Example #2



Ohhhhohoho! Getting a little risque with this one. You might think twice before wearing this one around town. BUT, did you know that you can also buy a donkey for someone this Christmas? According to Oxfam Canada, "A donkey can make a huge difference for a farming family, since it can carry large loads over long distances, easing the burden of fetching and carrying supplies to and from market. Many women use donkeys and carts to retrieve water, saving themselves the time and effort of daily trips to the water source. Plus there's the bonus of free fertilizer" (Oxfam Unwrapped Website).

Example #3



Alright fine. This one just seems downright crude. But I got your attention, didn't I? Here's the thing-- you can also buy some chickens for someone this Christmas. When you buy this gift you won't only be giving someone the bird (ha!) you'll also be giving them "training in poultry production and construction of poultry barns and includes animal vaccinations, animal health training and instruction on marketing. [This means that a] flock of chickens can create greater self-sufficiency, self-esteem and educational opportunities for recipients and their families" (Oxfam Unwrapped Website) .

So you see? Signs are everywhere! And they are very important. Don't believe me? Here's some nineties Swedish pop music to prove you wrong.