Instead the catalogue suggests gift ideas that will go to support communities in the developing world. There are forty different gifts shown in the catalogue.
For example there are fishing boats, for Indonesian fishermen who lost their livelihoods in the Tsunami in 2004. There are also toys for children currently in hospital.
Those who order a gift from the catalogue will receive a gift card and a voucher with details of exactly what they have bought. The gift card can then be given as a Valentine’s gift, while the actual gift goes to improve the lives in the developing world, where it is needed.
The International Development Director of the UK Salvation Army, Duncan Parker, said of the initiative: “This year we wanted to give people an alternative to the usual gifts of chocolates, flowers and perfume. Why not consider buying a pig, a cow or a family of chickens instead?”He continued: “By choosing to buy a gift from this catalogue, you are not only showing your partner that you care - you're also caring for someone in the developing world. It's a gift that will keep on giving and make a real difference in someone's life.”
The catalogue can be ordered from the Salvation Army International Development team, who can be contacted at 020 7367 4777 or at international.development@salvationarmy.org.uk
Gifts can also be purchased online.
