50 for 50 Day 27: Light Up The World Foundation

Thanks for stopping by my 50th Birthday Celebration, Day 27.

Here’s the background story: because I feel so blessed and have pretty much everything I could ever need, I am asking people to get involved with charities, if they are so inspired, in lieu of any fabulous birthday presents you were planning on sending me (or not).

I am featuring a different charity every day for 50 days leading up to my 50th birthday to give you plenty of chances to get involved. I started on May 18. I wanted to give a voice to different good works around the globe. If you ARE inspired to take action, please leave me a comment and let me know that you did. This is all I want for my birthday – to spread some love and kindness. Thank you, my dear friends.

Here’s another one of those organizations you don’t hear a lot about: Light Up the World Foundation.

From their website:
An enormous global demand for energy exists in off-grid rural communities. Our primary objective is to promote community development through the design and installation of renewable energy and high efficiency lighting systems in off-grid communities to replace inefficient sources of energy and light such as kerosene.

I was so charmed by their idea of using simple, modern techologies to bring light to people who don’t have it. It seems inconceivable to not have electricity and lighting, but many people around the world don’t.

You can donate here. They can also teach you to build lighting systems at one of their seminars.

Previously featured organizations:
Planned Parenthood
Doctors Without Borders
Heifer International
Team Rubicon
Kiva
The Carter Center
Bikes Not Bombs
Friends of Maddie
ProPublica
Surfrider Foundation
Livestrong
United Through Reading
Operation Shower
The Liz Logelin Foundation
KidSave
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Kids Vs Global Warming
Help a Mother Out
Direct Relief International
WriteGirl
Accelerated Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
Women for Women
Epic Change
Amnesty International