Hapa Bento…Global Financier
It’s been a little more than a year since the birth of “hapa bento.” And back then when the first ads appeared…I thought I would use any potential earnings to buy personal items such as more bento stuff. :) The plan wasn’t to get rich, it was to support my bento addiction.
But after reading about two other bentoists, Susan and Sonoma Bento and their own pledges …I was inspired…and now I’ll contribute to something greater than buying more bento gear! 
After much searching…I selected Kiva.
In their words: “Kiva’s mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.”
How cool is that?
You can read more information about Mrs. Chhunna Chhay’s group here. In short, they’re requesting funds to support their grocery store in Cambodia!
So thank you, dear readers for purchasing bento-stuff from the online stores via my blog, it’s YOU who’ve made it possible to “help others to help themselves!”
The $125.00, will be re-loaned to another Kiva group or individual when we’re paid back. Very simple. And we can keep it going indefinitely!
Look! We’re global financiers!
What a fantastic thing to be a part of! I like this idea, it’s the modern day version of “give a man a fish, … teach a man to fish, …”. Instead of giving one-time-use things like clothing or food you are giving a family the opportunity to provide for themselves. Yay!
Hi Heather, That’s exactly what I was thinking…”teach a man to fish…” Thanks.
Good for you! Kiva is an awesome way to help people support themselves! And when the micro loan is paid back, you can help more people.
My little shop is getting to help a small office supplies business in Mongolia through Kiva.
Thanks Amy! How cool that you are a Kiva Lender too! I can’t wait to collect more funds to lend out.
Debra, that’s great! I’ll have to look into that!
Thanks Lyndsey!
Awesome, Debra! As much as we hate to admit it, stuff is fun to buy but the thrill doesn’t last. Isn’t it cool to use our resources in a way that has a continuous impact? Love your blog!
Hi Denise, Thank you for your kind comments.
How wonderful Debra! So many people will benefit and continue to benefit from your generosity!
Thanks Susan! You are also very generous and kind.
Congrats! Kiva is a wonderful organization. I just love that we not only get bento ideas from each other in the bento blogger world, but we also inspire each other to make a difference to those who need help. I’m sending lots of good vibes your way!
Hi SB, Isn’t it great to belong to a caring, giving community such as ours. Bentoists rock! Thanks for good {{vibes}}! Back at YOU!
Excellent! KIVA is a fantastic organization…talk about spreading bento love, Debra!
Hi Jenn, Thanks so much!
rock on debra – what a good deed and a worthy cause!