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January 2011
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Dear Heifer Friend,
Each January, many of us make resolutions to change. Often the changes we desire are within our control. But for people caught in the trap of poverty, change is often an elusive dream. Families, their neighbors and entire communities struggle for daily survival with little hope for a better life.
But for more than 1.6 million men and women this year, change was possible thanks to you and the success of Heifer's model. And with Heifer communities, change is contagious. One family receives animals and training, which they pass along to another family. Soon, life as they once knew it has changed for the better.
In northern Thailand, the change in one man's life and his village is testimony to Heifer's transformational power. Gifts from Heifer provided the means to move from devastation to thriving. Theerawat Pitakpraisri's commitment to changing the next generation is just one of millions of inspiring stories from our projects.
Change can be an overlooked and overused word. But when the picture of change is a mother being able to feed her children and send them to school for the first time, or a father able to sleep knowing his family has shelter, change carries depth and meaning.
Heifer as an organization experienced change of its own in 2010. We celebrated as Heifer President Jo Luck received the prestigious World Food Prize and welcomed a new CEO, Pierre Ferrari, to lead us into the next decade. We mourned with families in Haiti as their world was changed by the devastating earthquake and began consulting on long-term plans to bring help and hope back to Haitians. We connected with new communities, rejoiced over progress in others and celebrated each and every story of self-reliance and hope.
Life can look very different from one year to the next, and we're overwhelmed by the stories of change that you made possible - and will continue to make possible - with your support for Heifer's work.
Here's to an exciting new year,
Ashley Michael
Heifer International
P.S. Valentine's Day is around the corner. Consider giving a Heifer gift to your sweetie. It's a great way to share your love with a world in need.
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 In northern Thailand, in the area known as the Golden Triangle, illicit drug trade has long been a tempting way to make money. But Heifer International's long-term work in the area is transforming communities and offering new, safer, more sustainable ways to make a living. With leaders like Theerawat Pitakpraisri, this community is coming together to create a better future for the next generation.
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Recap of 2010
 Vice President of Program Development Jim De Vries recaps the highlights of 2010, including grants Heifer received, successes in our field work and public recognition of Heifer's model. De Vries also talks about the future of Heifer projects worldwide. Be sure to watch this short video.
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Consider a Life-Changing Trip in 2011
 A Heifer study tour goes beyond sightseeing and opens your eyes to life in a different world. You'll meet Heifer project families, experience the hope they now know, learn about Heifer's model of sustainable development and come away motivated to help change the world. Slots are available for trips this year, including Uganda, Kosovo and Albania, Ecuador and more. See the change first-hand this year.
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 Pierre Ferrari takes the helm at Heifer International with decades of business experience and lifelong passion to work for the benefit of others. What comes next? You won't have to wait long to see. "I am excited about and inspired by this incredible opportunity and just as much so by this amazing organization," said Ferrari. "Key for me is to honor the amazing legacy of Jo Luck and the thousands that have built Heifer to date."
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 In the immediate aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, 600,000 Haitians fled the chaos of Port-au-Prince, inundating small rural communities. A sheep project in southern Haiti helped one family support a dozen earthquake-displaced people and shows how Heifer's model can be a part of the solution for the entire country.
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Heifer Families Say "Thank You"
 Sometimes finding the right way to say "Thank You" is a challenge. So, we let our project families tell you in their own words. This quick video demonstrates the true impact of your support of Heifer's work. From giving a donation to telling others about Heifer to volunteering, our supporters make Heifer's work possible. And that means even more lives can experience a new life this year.
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 Choose one of our touching animal gifts and send an animated Valentine's Day ecard for your special someone this year. The unique present of a goat or llama is sure to win hearts! And because recipients "Pass on the Gift" of animals and training, Heifer gifts last far longer than candy or flowers. In fact, for over 65 years, Heifer's model has enabled more than 12 million families to experience sustainable, positive change.
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Your monthly newsletter is a great way to catch up with Heifer, but did you know we also have a blog? From up-close-and-personal updates as our writers travel and meet Heifer families to world issues like the water crisis, our blog gives you the insider view. This month included posts about our new CEO's recent trip to Africa, a visit to Heifer Village by Alpha Kappa Alpha, and more. Coming soon, the announcement of the winner of our first ever video contest.
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