Quantum Forest

One of the good things of having a job is receiving an income that I can spend as I prefer. One of my monthly expenses is supporting charities. I like the feeling of contributing to something useful—and it is tax deductible. There are many good causes, and I tend to support organisations that work improving people’s lives, like Amnesty International or World Vision.

Today I friend brought to my attention the Sponsor a Giant campaign to save the Styx Valley. This is organised by the Wilderness Society to provide the Society ‘with both lobbying power and the financial support needed to protect ancient trees’. Contributors pledge A$50/month and get:

• Latest Edition of Wilderness News
• Styx information pack
• Double sided El Grande image
• Journey into the Old Growth CD Rom
• Styx sticker
• Special welcome letter with El Grande press release on the back
• Sponsor a Giant certificate

I couldn’t stop comparing with World Vision’s Sponsor a Child campaign, where for A$39/month the child’s community receives help ‘for vital development work such as providing clean water, immunisation and healthcare and training in improved farming methods’, and the sponsor receives:

• A picture folder with photo and details of your sponsored child, and information about his/her country
• A yearly report on your sponsored child’s progress plus a new photo
• Your choice of a regular online newsletter or printed magazine updating you on World Vision’s work around the world.

After thinking for two milliseconds, I chose a child.