year of the rabbit and the heifer

While the actual Lunar New Year date which begins the Chinese calendar for 2011 falls on Thursday, February 3 we thought it would be appropriate to share some good new year's news with you on our western calendar time frame. While this is the Chinese year of the Rabbit, here at PoshPorts, it's also the year of the Heifer. Let us explain.

In case you didn't know, 2011 in the Chinese zodiac is the Year of the Rabbit or Hare. Each year is designated by one of 12 animals, including those familiar to you such as Dog, Rooster, Pig, Rat, Tiger and others. The system works on a cycle of 12, so the year names are repeated every 12 years. The system is very practical because a child does not have to learn a new answer to the question, "How old are you?" in each new year. Old people often lose track of their age because they are rarely asked about their present age. Everyone just has to remember that he or she was born in the "Year of the Rabbit" or whatever animal represents their birth year.

The qualities of the animal under the year in which a person is born are said to characterize that person. The rabbit is known as a wise, calm, trustworthy and quietly charismatic figure. Rabbits are admired for their tactful and considerate dealings with others, and are seen as valued friends and business associates. Some people born in the Year of the Rabbit include Albert Einstein, Leon Trotsky, Frank Sinatra, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, David Beckham and Whitney Houston.

So to honor our friend the rabbit, as well as all the other animals that provide benefit to mankind, we are proud to announce the launch of Team PoshPorts at Heifer International.

With the support of our fellow travelers, culture vultures, foodies, and oenophiles, we have set a goal to raise $5,000, enough to sponsor a Heifer Gift Ark. The Ark offers hope worldwide to families who are poor and hungry. Each family who receives livestock will pass on one or more of the animal's offspring to other families who are in need in their community. Every gift will multiply for years to come.

Imagine how your gift could change the world. Two cows bring milk and income to a Russian village. Two sheep help families in Arizona produce wool. Two camels help families in Tanzania earn income by transporting agricultural and industrial materials. Two oxen pull plows and carts in Uganda. Two water buffalo help Cambodian families increase rice production through animal draft power. And that's just the first five sets of animals. Our ark will provide 15 pairs of animals to change lives.

So, whether you are born in the Year of the Rabbit or Ox or Dragon or Tiger or Rat, please think about how much of a difference any amount of donation you make will change the lives of others. Let this year be the year that we all come together to bring people closer, share the gifts we have, and bring help to others in need.

Please read more about Team PoshPorts at Heifer International.