Tet, The Lunar New Year is quickly approaching. For our western minds it may be difficult to understand the importance. For us it’s almost like taking 4th of July, Christmas, New Years and our birthdays and celebrate them all at once!
For years I would fly in and give TET baskets to the children of the poor families, full of goodies. I remember moms standing in the back of the room while the "Westerner" gave gifts to their children.
After reading Toxic Charity I realized that the wrong person was being the "hero" We tried a new idea. A Tet Shop where the Parents (the same families we normally invited) can come and pick and choose and buy 10 cents on the dollar. The parents became the heroes!
If they don't have the $0.10, they can come to the office and work to earn enough to buy for their children. One awesome and strange phenomenon was that we noticed fathers coming for the first time. Many thanking us saying it is the first time that they can buy TET gifts for their children. Now who's the hero, not GIBTK, it's the moms and dads. They go home with the satisfaction of buying something for their families.
In past years many asked that I let you know when it is coming so they can partner with us. This extremely meaningful event will take place on January 23, according to Vietnam's time, and we highly appreciate your assistance. We are excited to do this again to add value to families.
If you can, please do so. You can donate safely at www.givingitbacktokds.org or mail a check to GIBTK, 10112 Stonybrook Dr. Huntington Beach, Calif. 92646.
Help us to give some self-respect back to more families!
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