In this economy, $10.00 is a big deal. Want to make a real change with that money? You can help build two libraries in Zambia AND get a chance to win this fabulous MICROTHERM™ DOWN SHIRT from Eddie Bauer|First Ascent while you’re at it.

Can $10.00 do all that? Why, YES, it can!

Click on the link for Passports With Purpose, and choose a gift among hundreds of great prizes that you’d like to win. Your donation goes directly to the fundraiser. You have from now until December 16, 2011 to make a difference.

This is my fourth year helping with the Passports With Purpose fundraiser, and this year we are raising money for Room to Read. Our goal is to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in Zambia in Africa.

Room to Read was founded in 2000, and is an organization that is close to my heart. I met the Founder John Wood in Seattle years ago, and have helped him with 2 major fundraisers before. His book “Leaving Microsoft to Save the World” was influential to me and came out at a time when I also left a career at Microsoft to do other things in the world. As he mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey show, Room to Read’s mission is “to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organisations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.”

I’ve seen the good this organization has done in the world (they’ve already opened up 10,000 bilingual libraries by 2010), and I am happy to be a part of this year’s effort. This is truly a cause you can feel good about supporting!

Now, a bit about the prize: the MICROTHERM™ DOWN SHIRT ($169) by Eddie Bauer|First Ascent

All of you outdoor lovers will want to get your hands on one of these down shirts. They are extremely light weight (a favorite for travel and trekking) and will keep you warm and toasty this holiday season and beyond. The athletic cut allows this critical insulator to function expertly as a mid, outer or emergency layer. 800 fill power premium European goose down traps core heat, while the lightweight ripstop shell features a StormRepel® DWR finish to shed light precip and light snow. Stretch panels add mobility when reaching, twisting or turning. Plus, it looks great!

Men’s or Women’s available in all sizes. Color preference is not guaranteed.

Adventure on, and unwrap world change this season.

Thank you!

Kristen