Say no to socks this Father's Day

Kiwis looking for a Father's Day gift with a difference are being encouraged to consider something you can't wrap up - a Fish Farm from TEAR Fund's 'Gift for Life'.

While most Kiwi Dad's will be showered with gifts this Father's Day, many in the developing world will be struggling to make ends meet and provide for their family.

International Christian aid and development agency, TEAR Fund, offers a practical way for New Zealanders to honour their Fathers through a meaningful and life-changing gift.

Although the fish farm won't go anywhere near a Kiwi Dad, it will (in his honour) go to a Dad in a developing country. There it will help that Dad take care of his family - and all for $20!

Father of five, Jose from the Philippines says, "I could never have imagined what an organic fish farm would do. By using what would otherwise be considered waste, we have created a sustainable, life-giving project that boosts our incomes - all the while preserving our natural resources for our children's future. I am eagerly awaiting the harvest!"

TEAR Fund marketing manager, Sheena Duffy says, "For as little as $20, families in need are given the tools to create their own fish farm. Within six months, they will have significantly enhanced their own income through an environmentally-friendly, community-based project, the benefits of which will reach future generations. And if a Fish Farm isn't quite up your Dad's creek, consider some Tools for Toiling or a Goat"!

Ms Duffy says, "We encourage Kiwis to do something a little different this Father's Day. We reckon you'll be his favourite - Hook, Line and Sinker."

TEAR Fund will send all purchasers a special card explaining the gift and how it will benefit the recipient. TEAR Fund's Gift for Life Father's Day initiatives can be bought online through www.giftforlife.co.nz or by phoning 0800 800 777.

 About Tear Fund

TEAR Fund NZ is a Christian aid and development organisation that works in close partnership with local Christian non-government organisations and churches in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. TEAR Fund actively changes the lives of the poor and oppressed through disaster relief, community development and child sponsorship. In NZ since 1975, TEAR Fund is a registered New Zealand charity, member of the Council for International Development and the NZ Disaster Relief Forum. For more information on TEAR Fund go to www.tearfund.org.nz