Dear ally,

This'll be quick. I'm just back from being flattened by H1N1 (not as bad as depicted in the news but the protracted fatigue was a huge bore) and here comes the Thanksgiving break, so we're heading home to cook stuff.

If we have your ground address, you should be getting (in the mail, on paper!) our report on 2009 thus far. We'll get an online version up as soon as we're back from the break. Long story ridiculously shortened: The recession hasn't flattened us. We are enCouraging today's heroes and training tomorrow's, thanks to an insanely dedicated staff and the support of so many people who understand the power of this work.

I'll be back in your in-box to tell you about the new Giraffe Heroes who will be chosen December 5. For now, we wish you a good Thanksgiving and send the reminder below of something you might add to your own list of what's actually right with the world.

 
"People who rekindle our inner spirit." Well, Giraffe Heroes certainly do that for me. If their stories spark your spirit on dark days, add these compassionate, courageous people to your list of things you're thankful for. Give yourself a treat: take a stroll through our new database of heroes.

There. You read a few? Saw their faces? Are you feeling enCouraged? It's not all greed, war and corruption Out There. As long as there are Giraffes, there's hope.