Kiva: A way to help those who help themselves

With holiday season going on and those still debating about their charitable giving to the less fortunate, here is an idea - Kiva.org. Kiva partners with various microfinance institutions around the world to alleviate financial problems for poor entrepreneurs by making them microloans. You can lend as little as $25 at 0% to create opportunity around the world and make a difference. A dollar can go a long way in some of the less fortunate parts of the world.
Here is a video that tells the story of Pedro, the farmer:
How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.
Some statistics from their About page

• Kiva was founded in 2005
• $268 million made in loans so far
• 98.96% Repayment rate
• They work with 61 different countries

Personal experience - I have made about 30 loans since the beginning of this year. A picture is worth a 1000 words, isnt it?

Please consider giving generously this holiday season. Have any charitable experience you'd like to share? Please leave a comment.