ChildFund isn’t candy-coating the gift of bunnies on Easter

12 March 2012

ChildFund isn’t candy-coating the gift of bunnies this Easter

ChildFund New Zealand isn’t candy-coating the gift of bunnies this Easter. While many of us spend money and indulge in multiple chocolate bunnies at Easter, for those living in the developing world the gift of real rabbits offers a far more practical benefit.

ChildFund New Zealand CEO Paul Brown says because rabbits breed so quickly, they provide families with an ongoing source of income and food.

“Rabbits can be sold at market and as they’re prolific breeders, this guarantees on-going income for families in poverty. From very young, rabbits are able to produce litters of four to five every six weeks. This not only gives breeders continuing produce to sell, it can be a great source of food at home too.

“Rabbit meat has high nutritional value as it’s low in cholesterol and high in protein. They can double their weight in under a week, and as they are small consumers of food and space, they are a low-maintenance gift for struggling families.

“The rabbits ChildFund provide are kept in hutches, off the ground so they’re safe from natural predators. For this reason rabbit meat is one of the cleanest types of meat available,” he says.

A pair of breeding rabbits for a family in need will cost only $18 this Easter. Purchasers receive a special gift card explaining the gift and how it will benefit the recipient. To order from ChildFund’s Gifts that Grow range, visit www.childfund.org.nz or call 0800 223 111. Purchasers also get a ‘gift back’ via a full tax credit.

Rabbit Facts & Stats

• Rabbits will play a more increasing role as the world’s human population grows, as there is less land and water to raise food. Rabbits grow well on food items that do not compete with food items grown for human consumption and need little space.
• Rabbits are among the most productive of domestic livestock – a doe rabbit that weighs 10 pounds can produce 320 pounds of meat in a year.
• France is the world’s largest producer and consumer of rabbit meat.
• Rabbit meat has been known to be used as far back as 1500BC.

About ChildFund New Zealand

ChildFund New Zealand is a member of the ChildFund Alliance, an international child development organisation with more than 70 years of experience helping the world's neediest children, which works in 54 countries, assisting 16 million children and family members regardless of race, creed or gender.

ChildFund New Zealand works for the well-being of children by supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen families and communities, helping them overcome poverty and protect the rights of their children.

ChildFund's comprehensive programmes incorporate health, education, nutrition and livelihood interventions that sustainably protect, nurture and develop children. ChildFund works in any environment where poverty, conflict and disaster threaten the well-being of children.

ENDS

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