Wikipedia (ahem, my favorite source of information) defines “pay it forward” as “an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying the kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor.”
In other words, when someone does something nice for you, you do something nice for someone else, sparking an awesome chain reaction of kindness :)
At Taaluma, we are so blessed for all the kindness you have shown us throughout the years by supporting our company. And we're so thankful that we have the ability to "pay it forward" and spread kindness around the world through microloans. The amount of good that has come as a result of the microloans has been mind-blowing.
Here's how we "pay it forward":
When you support us, we give microloans to farmers and entrepreneurs in communities around the globe. They then “pay it forward” by providing the people in their communities with much-needed products and services, helping to improve the lives of everyone in the community.
Like Melchora, a mother of four who owns a fishing business in the Philippines. Melchora was in need of a new fishing net and other supplies like bamboo and rope to continue operating her business.
As they say “Give them a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, feed them for a lifetime.”
But what if they know how to fish, but they can’t afford a fishing net?
Well, Melchora knows how to fish. So we gave her a microloan that will keep her fishing business afloat and will feed her family (and other families) for years to come.
And Otilio, a 72-year-old farmer in El Salvador. Otilio needed help doing the manual work on his corn and bean farm. So we gave him a microloan so he can pay employees to help produce and harvest the crops this year.
And Harold, a young entrepreneur in Nicaragua. He recently opened his own store selling cell phones and repairing electronic equipment for his customers. We gave him a microloan to buy spare parts and supplies for his store.
Each microloan recipient is vital to the health of their local community. Their businesses help end hunger, reduce poverty, and ensure health & education, greatly improving the lives of those in the community.
We are glad to help business owners, as we know it will improve the lives of many...spreading the message of kindness around the world - one person at a time.
Here’s to paying it forward and starting an awesome chain reaction of kindness... & to feeling good—because after all, it’s Friday!
-the Taaluma Team