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Established in 2004 with a gift from Loreal LeGate of Alpharetta, Georgia to benefit the work of Heifer Project International in India. Following is a note from the founder:

I asked of life, what have you to offer?
Came the answer, what have you to give?

Each day, many young girls walk miles to collect the family's daily water while my daughter attends school. Many parents watch their children suffer from diseases while I have access to healthcare and medicine for my child. Tonight many people will go to bed hungry, something my family has never endured.

Five years ago, I was researching various humanitarian organizations for one that I could trust to be effective with my donations. That's when I first learned of Heifer International and was immediately connected to their focus on improving lives by helping people become self-sufficient. The letter linked here from Beatrice captured my heart and revealed how a small act of kindness can completely change a life. Over the years, I've sponsored numerous goats and several buffalo. These animals were given to families to provide food and income for healthcare, housing, and school.

In 2004, I took my commitment to the next level by starting a country endowment. With an endowment, 100% of the donations are allocated to the country of choice. I also have the ability to request that the funds be used for specific types of programs.

I have chosen to help the people of India. With the world's second largest population, the number of Indians in need is staggering. This endowment has raised US$10,000 to date. The endowment supports initiatives focused on health (clean water, food aid, medical care), education, and income generation for self-sufficiency.

I named the endowment The Lotus Fund, after the official flower of India. The Lotus or water lily is an aquatic plant prized for its serene beauty and fragrant flowers. Even in the harshest of conditions, the stem holds strong and its broad floating leaves flourish. My wish for the children of India is that they have the opportunity to blossom and flourish like the sacred symbol of their country.

I believe in the power of one - that each of us can choose to make a difference. And, collectively there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Loreal LeGate
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Heifer International has worked in India on projects of Angora rabbit wool production, camels for economic development, goat and pig projects in both rural and urban areas and integrated livestock projects for rural women. Santi Pradhan, an Indian widow with five children, says, "Heifer is an honor for us here in the village...They have taught us how to live again and how we should care for our new animal...I love pass on the gift." One village woman bought equipment to start her own gem-cutting business, using money she earned by selling an offspring of her goat, an example of Heifer's micro-enterprise initiative. There is a current Nepal-India Friendship Project, providing the opportunity for Heifer Nepal and Heifer India staff and partners to visit and learn from each other.

To continue the good work in India of many that have gone before us; please give today.

Note: Heifer does not currently have an office in India, yet continues to work in the country through project partners. It hopes to reopen an office soon.

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