In a personal campaign to raise £1 million in five years, Blue Dog Jewellery founder and businesswoman, Shona Lockhart, has pledged that 10% of sales before, during and after Christmas, will go to The MicroLoan Foundation, a charity benefiting women in Africa.
The MicroLoan Foundation, (www.microloanfoundation.org.uk) whose supporters include Patron, Sir Bob Geldof KBE, is a charity with a difference. Their mission is to reduce poverty by lending money to groups of women to build sustainable businesses of their own choice such as market trading, making clothes and selling fish. The charity provides basic business training and when appropriate, skills training such as knitting and sewing. They give guidance in developing a business and operating a bank account. Each enterprise receives ongoing mentoring support to ensure it is a success in the long term. This creates independence from aid, not dependence on it.

Even the smallest increase in financial resources enables these women to provide food security for their families and education for their children. In time, just four to six months, the loans are re paid and the capital reinvested to help more people, so supporters see their donations working again.

Giving a Blue Dog Jewellery gift to a loved one or a friend this Christmas, is also giving hope to the women of sub Saharan Africa and their families.

Orders can be placed and paid for securely online via www.bluedogjewellery.com. They are despatched, carefully tissue-wrapped and beautifully boxed to ensure they arrive in perfect condition within 5 days. A personalised card can also be included with the package before being sent. Blue Dog also sell £20, £50 and £100 gift vouchers so that the lucky recipient can choose something for themselves. Gift vouchers are valid for 3 months.