Give a Christmas gift of chickens

Nzembi (8) holds two chicks which hatched from hens given to her family by ChildFund in Makueni County, Kenya. Photo / Jake Lyell for ChildFund, NZ

Nzembi, 8, holds two chicks which hatched from hens given to her family by ChildFund in Makueni County, Kenya. The chickens have strengthened the family's health and economic status and allowed them to weather the current drought. Photo / Jake Lyell for ChildFund, NZ

Waikato locals are being asked to put chickens on their Christmas shopping lists again this year — not to feature on their Christmas day menus, but to help more families in need in the developing world.

"We are so grateful to the generous people of the Waikato who have given 320 chickens to families in Kenya, Zambia and Timor Leste through ChildFund's Gifts that Grow over the last four years," says ChildFund New Zealand CEO Paul Brown.

"However, with so many more families who can benefit from this gift, ChildFund is putting chickens at the top of our Christmas wish list this year."

For just $28, a pair of chickens from ChildFund's Gifts that Grow catalogue will provide a family with much needed food and nutrition through high-protein eggs and meat, as well as an ongoing source of income as their flock thrives.

"Giving chickens is like giving these families a never-ending meal ticket and a small business," says Paul.

The organisation hopes to double last year's nationwide figure of 446 chickens gifted by Christmas day.

Chickens are an incredibly worthwhile gift — every chicken, with a life span of seven to 10 years and the ability to lay around 1000 eggs in that time, can be life-changing for those living in poverty in the developing world.

One recent recipient success story comes from the Daniel family of Kenya. A year on from receiving three chickens via ChildFund New Zealand, and with the help of animal husbandry training which accompanied the gift, the family has now maintained a flock of 22 birds.

"The Daniel family have effectively been given the gift of self-sustainability and a brighter future. They no longer need to worry where their next meal is coming from and can sell eggs or a chicken if extra money is needed for expenses like school fees.

Buyers can rest assured the gift bought is delivered directly to children and their families in the nominated ChildFund project. If more money is raised than needed for the chosen gift, the donation will be used for a similar gift that is still needed.

Chickens and other gifts can be purchased at www.childfund.org.nz or by calling 0800 223 111.

Purchasers receive a special gift card explaining the gift and how it will benefit the recipient, and also get a 'gift back' via a full tax credit.