No matter what our circumstances, dreams can come true.
Shanta, Khotang Nepal, used to run a small hostel and six months ago she was loaned 1,500 rupees to enlarge her hostel and add a shop. Now she can easily send her children to school.
"This program has changed my life and my family's life and brought us success."
The purchase of The book of Giving, enables women in poverty to establish the 'business of their dreams'. All profits received will be distributed via microfinance loans enabling these women with an entrepreneurial spirit to have a new beginning and a brighter future.
When we work together, we can make a difference. Thank you.
Empower someone now...
The Story
I would not be where I am today without help from those who gave me their love, support and, most importantly, loaned me money to start my business.
My mother Elizabeth Ann Cox (Annie) has and always will be my inspiration. I am blessed to be the daughter of the most amazing mother. Annie taught by example: give graciously and expect nothing in return; always be thankful for what you have; and there is no time for self pity, there is always someone worse off. Her donations to charities were boundless. Her kindness to those less fortunate was generous. This book is about putting into place my learning from my Mum. It is through observing her life and her spirit of giving, that I can achieve this dream. Mum’s life ended on Christmas Day 2002. She was 64. I was 31. Her legacy continues to make a difference; I thank her for shaping my life.
When I first read Anita Roddick’s book, 'Body and Soul', it inspired me to one day have the opportunity to raise funds to help women in business. I admire any person who dares to follow their dream. It takes courage, determination, enthusiasm and hard work.
Everyone starts somewhere, but not everyone has access to much-needed funds to begin. I would not be where I am today without help from those who gave me their love, support and most importantly, loaned me money, to start my business. Before the banks would ever consider giving me a loan, I received microfinance from my parents!
Quotes about life, love, family and friendship resonate deep within us all. They enable us to express what we ourselves struggle to put into words. The quotes you read in the following pages are favourites from my family, friends and people who have helped me on my journey to achieve my business dreams. I believe the giving and receiving of books to be two-fold: the joy and love felt when giving the gift, and the joy and love felt when received. However, the funds raised from this book add a new 'fold' and perhaps this is the greatest reward of all: spirited women achieving their dreams by receiving a microfinance loan through Good Return.
These women who will benefit from the sales of this book have passion, dreams and aspire to succeed in their business, just like I do. Thank you for enabling them to reach their goals.
Gabby Cox
Good Return
Good Return is an online social enterprise that combines the latest technology with innovative marketing to allow Australians to make a real and lasting difference to the extreme poor in the Asia Pacific region.
Good Return allows you, your friends and family to browse and select a borrower you want to help and fund the loan directly online. This is a microfinance loan - a small loan to help a woman start or expand her business and lift herself out of poverty. Good Return complements these loans with skills training and economic education to maximise the borrower’s success.
The lives of the women who receive the loans and education are transformed forever. When you help women, you help a family and the community.
You help empower individuals to build their capacity, creating independence and realising human potential – ours and theirs!
Give and get a good return
Good Return offers an opportunity for the developed world to directly support the developing world.
Empower someone now...
Microfinance
Proceeds from The book of Giving will contribute to helping women in poverty establish the business of their dreams. All profits received will be distributed via microfinance loans, through Good Return.
These loans enable entrepreneurial spirited women the chance to create a new beginning.
Empower someone now...
Silvina used the loan to purchase more inventories for her kiosk. She bought things like noodles, salt, oil and two pigs, resulting in increased income.
Silvina used the profits to pay for her children’s education. She was able to save some money for the future, as she would like to make some improvements on her house.
