Symbolic gifts regain popularity for Norwegian Church Aid

Norwegian Church Aid has seen an increase in the popularity of its Give a Goat scheme, with 2014 sales bringing in 4 million NOK (€420,000) for the charity, and estimates for 2015 showing further growth.

Ten years ago, Norwegian Church Aid launched its Give a Goat scheme as an alternative Christmas present, encouraging people to donate a goat on behalf of a friend or family member instead of buying them a physical gift.

Sales figures for the symbolic gifts reached 8 million NOK (€840,000) in 2007, then dropped to 3.3 million NOK in 2012 and a low of 2.9 million NOK in 2013. The last two years however have seen the figures rise again.

Nils Harald Strom, head of fundraising at Norwegian Church Aid said:

“The novelty value made the gift popular in the first years. It is therefore pleasing to see that the numbers are now rising again.”