"Give differently, so that others may live differently".

Tina Jensen

The seed

I don't recall my dreams very often, but on this occasion, I woke up with a jolt. I went to the computer and searched the availability of give.com.au. To my astonishment, it was available, so I processed the registration and within 48 hours, held a small seed in the palm of my hand.

Two and a half years later, the seed has sprouted. It took me that long to work out what to do with it, as I believed it needed to be more than just a website. It needed to be able to give - holistically and in every definition of the word.

How do you translate all of this into one website? How do you ensure that it does all of this, and reaches as many people as it can in its efforts to give?

In my travels, I have been inspired by many, who, in their own small way, are creating change and making a difference. The vision of the site began to take shape: an avenue where stories could be shared, in the hope that they would as much educate as they would inspire. But in a world where countless charities and organisations are vying for the donation dollar, and considering the current global economy, I didn't feel that the site could do what it needed by simply asking for people to give money to support worthy causes.

It needed to be more.

And then I realised - people give every day. Weddings, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Christmas - we all give. But how often do we think about the consequence of our purchase?

And from there, the vision of give.com.au was created: to provide an avenue for people to shop and as a society of consumers and travellers, to collectively provide a future for people in need around the world.

It is my vision that from this seed, many opportunities will be granted, futures will be provided and lives will be transformed.

The heart

Once you have vision, one must have the heart, passion and commitment to make it reality. Many of the founders of the organisations we support, have shown years of dedication to their projects. As education has always been a big driving factor behind the site, it was extremely important for me to undertake a research trip to really be inspired to create some magic.

Having spent years travelling the globe, I still wasn't prepared for what I was to learn and witness. But then again, I've never asked to visit brothels, slums and sleep on floors in rural villages on any of my previous travels. During this trip, I witnessed a depth of poverty that many in Australia will never see or experience.

However, despite the huge challenges faced by fellow human beings, I also witnessed courage, perseverance and strength. I have seen the inner spirit of survival that exists within every human being, and despite the odds, the willingness to persevere and overcome obstacles. I have also been touched by the generosity and compassion shared by individuals around the globe who give of themselves so that others may have a future. Even those who have nothing, will always have a drink for a stranger or offer a bed for the night, even if it is a wooden floor. 

It is this heart - this passion, dedication and perseverance that we also want to share with you through our stories. 

The hands

We all know it takes a lot of hard work to turn a dream into reality. This site has been established with a dedicated team of volunteers who have assisted with concept design and development, packaging, photography, labelling, pricing, editing and driving. Their hands have worked hard to assist with turning this vision into reality, and I thank everyone involved for their time, patience and commitment. 

Personally, I have stretched myself financially, physically and emotionally in setting up this site. But after spending ten weeks researching projects and seeing the need that is out there, it has given me the passion and drive to commit myself to ensure the success of this site. 

The hands of our artisans need your support so that they can continue to work.

Using your hands, all you need to do is shop and give, and together we can make a difference. 

What can you do?

Simply - receive, give and connect. 

Receive

Our product range is overflowing with stylish, functional and practical gifts that will suit all ranges. And with the options of purchasing gifts from our affiliate range, you are guaranteed to find something that will suit even the most difficult tastes of your friend or family member. If that's not enough, you can purchase a gift certificate and let them choose - then you know they are guaranteed to love it.

All of our products are hand made by fair trade enterprises, non-government organisations, not-for-profit cooperatives and grassroot organisations. The majority of products are handmade in villages in between harvesting the rice and looking after the children. As they are all handcrafted, each one is unique and may differ slightly from the online image. However, our team thoroughly check each item for quality before delivery and you are guaranteed of receiving a unique gift as well as making a difference to communities around the world. 

Give

By purchasing from our range, you are providing a future to families and communities in need. Not only do they receive funds when we place an order, but our Development Fund works with the projects to support them with financial assistance. We have also partnered grassroot organisations that do not have goods for sale with some of our fair trade enterprise partners, therefore providing them with much needed financial support. 

Connect

We want you to share our approach to giving with the world.It is quite a simple concept to just go shopping, and make a difference in the life of another. We would encourage you to share our vision with your friends and family.

If you are wanting to support us financially in our endeavours, or donate to one of our supported projects, we would also like the opportunity to connect. If you are fundraising for an international group, a corporate wanting some unique gifts for your clients or perhaps you are just wanting to know a little more, please contact us. We would love to play the game of connect with as many people as we can. There is guaranteed to be more than one winner. 

Thank you

We would like to thank you for being a part of our vision. We encourage you to sign up for an account so that you can hear news from the field and how your purchases and donations are giving. May we encourage you to have your own ideas, and through your passion and hard work, see them sprout to make a difference in your own life, and those of others. 

Thank you for giving

Tina Jensen

Founder/Director