Andria Hill Turned her 50th into an opportunity to `Get Her Goat!

The idea of asking for donations in lieu of gifts came to me when I first began thinking about how to mark my 50th. Initially I had planned to walk the Roman Road. But, I had to delay, first because my birthday is in December (lousy walking weather in Spain, France, England and Scotland), and then because I accepted a one-year contract with the Nova Scotia Community College.

When my husband and I married in June 2003, we asked for donations to Oxfam rather than gifts, and had envelopes on hand at the reception. And, for the last few years I've asked my husband and kids to give me Oxfam Unwrapped gifts for my birthday and/or Christmas. Since I wanted a party for my 50th (not an unusual occurrence for me to celebrate just about anything with a party), I decided to send out invitations and ask people to give me gifts -- purchased from Oxfam Unwrapped. Even if they were unable to attend the party, I urged them to gift me!

The response was wonderful!! Perhapsbecause my birthday is in December, people really got into the giving mood. Some gifts I found out about in advance of the party through email notification. Others came through notes at the party or shortly after. I bought three t-shirts as door prizes (one for the first to arrive, one for the last to leave, and one for the first person to break a glass -- of course, we didn't tell people about that one until it happened!) Shortly before people arrived, I set up my laptop on the sideboard (under the big green Oxfam banner) so that people could purchase gifts online at the party. And finally, we passed a hat for cash donations, which I then used to purchase more gifts online.

I think the most popular gift was the goat. I got a herd from those who enjoy "gettingAndria's goat"!

It was simple to do and yes, I would do it again. In fact, I've tossed out a similar idea to the Diversity Committee which I now chair at that the Annapolis Valley campus of the Nova Scotia Community College! We can't wait to roll out the idea to the Student Association once it's elected in the fall!