It’s a question guests to Liam’s fifth birthday party had to consider. Instead of the usual presents, the young British Columbia boy asked friends and family to donate money to help him buy pigs from the Gifts of Hope catalogue.

“On his party invitations, Liam asked guests to make a donation to this project instead of bringing presents,” says Liam’s mom Carla. “He let everyone know that he chose this project himself since he wanted to make sure children who may not get birthday presents get something on his special day. And he also likes pigs!”

With the help of the people closest to him, Liam was able to raise enough money to give four families in Mozambique a pig each. It’s a gift that provides income and food, which in turn means access to education, health care and, ultimately, a better life.

Liam is proof that age is no barrier when it comes to making the world a better place. Consider a Gift of Hope for your family’s next birthday.

Plan to change the world

Plan is a global movement for change, mobilising millions of people around the world to support social justice for children in developing countries. Founded in 1937 as Foster Parents Plan, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with over 1.1 millions of donors and corporations around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children. Join us and plan to change the world.

Read other great stories: A gift of reading