Bee Generous this Holiday Season

While beekeeping is often thought of as a hobby in the United States, in many countries around the world, beekeeping is an important livelihood that can provide income to a family in need and place them on the path toward sustained economic success.

In addition to providing nutritious honey, beehives provide beeswax that can be used in the production of candles. Bees also help pollinate and grow healthier crops, extending the benefits of beekeeping to an entire community.

In the Dominican Republic, a group of 15 farmers were given 15 beehives through the World Vision Gift Catalog as a means of earning extra income. Those 15 farmers have now formed a beekeeper association and have expanded their enterprise to 30 hives across two locations. Because of these hives and the proceeds from the sale of 60-70 gallons of honey the group extracts each month, these farmers are now able to provide for their families, including enabling their children to attend school, and overall advance their prospects for building a safe, happy life.

For $150, readers can donate a beehive in the name of a loved one through the World Vision Gift Catalog. The gift will include essential beekeeping supplies such as a veil, gloves, smoker and training.

The recipe for Honey Flan, below, serves as a reminder of the value of honey for communities in need around the world, and can spark discussion around the holiday table about sharing one of the sweetest gifts to provide for the needs of others.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or call 855-WV-GIFTS. For interviews with World Vision, high res photos or product samples, contact Stephie Predmore at stephie@wilksgrp.com, or 708-434-5006.

Honey Flan

Recipe created by Melissa Bailey on behalf of World Vision

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
• 1 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: