"The power to illuminate lives"

This holiday season give the gift of light to a family in the developing world that does not have access to electricity. Over 1.6 billion people in the world rely on kerosene and other non-electric light sources that are expensive, inefficient and unsafe. Light Up The World (LUTW) provides solar powered light systems that are a safe, affordable, healthy, efficient and environmentally-friendly solution. This year alone, Light Up The World has lit up rural health centres in Papua New Guinea, schools in Sierra Leone, homes and community facilities in Costa Rica, villages in Nepal and facilitated many other projects around the world. In 2010, Light Up The World will continue its work in Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica as well as initiating new projects in the areas of Central and South America and Africa.

There are several ways you can help support LUTW this holiday season by giving:

THE GIFT OF LIGHT ($50)

Each LED light contains the highest quality diode currently available. It is equipped with a dimmer switch that allows it to operate in high or low brightness mode. These lights are long lasting and resilient and will still emit 70% of their initial output after 50,000 hours of use. Each light is equipped with five meters of cable so it can be placed in the most beneficial location in a home or building. Each light purchased will be allocated to one of LUTW's 2010 projects and help light up a home in the developing world. 

 

THE GIFT OF TRAINING ($100)

LUTW projects include a training component which takes place in the developing countries where we work. This training is delivered by technical experts in solar installation to local individuals who are recipients of a light system in order that they have the knowledge to use and maintain their system.

Support for training builds local capacity in communities in which lighting systems are installed. It increases project sustainability by ensuring that the local community retains knowledge about how systems are installed and maintained. 

THE GIFT OF A LIGHT SYSTEM ($250)

The basic solar-powered LED (light emitting diode) home lighting system offered by LUTW consists of 2 LED lights, 5 or 10 watt solar panel, 12V/7Ah sealed lead acid battery, and charge controller. When the system is fully charged, it can provide up to 28 hours of light using a five watt solar panel and up to 45 lamp hours using a ten watt solar panel. A family in one of LUTW's 2010 project areas will receive a healthier, sustainable and more cost effective lighting system for their home. 

THE GIFT OF GREATEST NEED ($ OF YOUR CHOICE)

At LUTW, we count on donations of every size to support the work we do. LUTW ensures our projects are implemented responsibly and with the greatest benefit to our recipients. We work with our in country partners: 

• on research and development of new technologies,
• purchasing and shipping equipment,
• project management
• and installation of our systems.

Your gift will be directed to the LUTW program in most urgent need. 

 

In response to your generosity, LUTW will send a holiday card to the recipient of your gift, informing them that you have made a gift of light in their honour this holiday season. To give the gift of light to a friend or family member or to support the Light Up A Home For The Holidays Campaign, please click here.

Note: Only contributions received by LUTW on or before December 18, 2009 will be issued gift cards.