Whatever!

It's the last day of November, which means tomorrow is the first of December, which means you have 23-shopping days left until Christmas and don't think for a minute the stores will let you forget it!



The less-than subtle brainwashing of millions to 'give the perfect gift' is well underway and I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get a little nauseous.



I use this bit every Christmas to try to suggest a new way of thinking for our mass-consumer culture. I'm quite guilty of it, but also see a deep need for us to give back in some kind of way, because we live in a world of plenty, and then some.



If you don't give the charity any other time of year, this is the perfect way to do it.



There are loads of worthy organizations out there that can do lots of wonderful things with your hard-earned money, and instead of buying another sweater, toy or gadget that will only be used a couple of times, you can actually change someone's life.



There's one organization in particular that you might like. Oxfam Canada has an amazing website where you can point and click on some really great and affordable things to help out needy people on the other side of the world.



For as little as $15, you can buy a family a live chicken, which doesn't sound like much, but to someone with nothing, they'll be trained in poultry production and learn how to care for the animals so they can sustain themselves in the long-run with food and a means of income.



How cool would it be to buy your uncle a goat this year, or your spouse a donkey? Instead of getting that person on your Secret Santa list a bunch of bath beads, you can pay for programs to teach men and women how to break the cycle of domestic violence and workshops on how women can become more empowered.



If you want to find out more, just log onto www.oxfamunwrapped.ca and see how you can truly make a positive change in someone's life on behalf of a friend or loved-one.



You might also be surprised how honoured that person is to receive such a thoughtful gift this year.



But Whatever!




You can hear Ruby Jones' Whatever rants live Tuesday-Friday during the Morning Show at 7:50, on Flow 93.5. Or check out the podcast at www.flow935.com!