I’m genuinely excited for Father’s Day. I know that I’ll get to spend some time with my daughter and hopefully have a little lie-in too.

She’s the best gift I’ve ever had and I’ll always appreciate every moment I have with her, even when she’s throwing a tantrum on the supermarket floor or being cute while escaping a pretend monster.

Being a father gives me a true purpose. I get to kiss her little knees when she trips over, when I chase her around in the endless battle to get her to keep her shoes on, and when she’s at her happiest, surrounded by animals.

The best gifts, like a father’s love, can’t be wrapped. Plan International Canada’s Gifts of Hope inspire Canadians to make thoughtful purchases on behalf of their loved ones, giving more children opportunities and creating real change in the lives of real people in developing countries.

I was delighted when I got an email from the team at Plan International Canada to promote their Father’s Day campaign. I was even happier to do this partnership pro-bono, so that any fees I would traditionally get paid can now be used toward their international programming.

When you give a Gift of Hope, you’re giving a unique, unforgettable gift that can’t be found on store shelves. You also help provide tangible goods and support vital programs that put girls in school, food on plates, income in the hands of families and so much more. They combine hope and action, and help turn the cycle of poverty into a cycle of progress.

THE GIFTS:

A GOAT

This Father’s Day, give your dad an unfor-goat-able gift. (#dadjoke)

When a basketball player is called a G-O-A-T, it means they are the Greatest Of All Time. This Father’s Day, Plan International Canada believes their goat is the real G-O-A-T. And a great dad deserves the greatest gift.

Their Goat gift is not only unique, but also life-changing. By providing nutritious milk, income for education and health care, and a whole lot more, this gift will help children thrive – and have Dad jumping for joy.

STRONG DAD, STRONG FAMILY

Gender roles often place women at the centre of child care, but families are stronger and
children are happier when dads are equally involved. This gift makes that happen.

It includes facilitating community fathers’ groups in countries such as Haiti and Nigeria,
where men can meet to learn and talk about such topics as maternal, newborn and child
health, family planning, and men’s roles in these areas.

It engages community leaders in breaking stereotypes as champions of change in their communities. It also ensures health clinics are welcoming to both men and women.

Gifts of Hope are not symbolic gifts – they are real gifts that change real lives. At Plan International Canada, they direct your donation to the specific gift you choose. When you choose a goat, your money goes directly to a goat program in a country like Cameroon. So the gift you choose is exactly where your money goes.

This Father’s Day, instead of buying a novelty tie, make a real difference in someone’s life. I did, will you?