Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect FAQs

Ripple Effect works alongside families in rural Africa so they can learn more, grow more, and sell more.

Chirpy chicken charity gift

1. Choose a life-changing gift to help a family in rural Africa

Virtual gifts of all varieties, for all occasions. Choose from chirpy chickens to gardening kits, and bicycles to motorcycles.

Marvellous mushrooms charity gift

2. We send you or your friend a gift pack or e-card

Gift pack: Have the gift pack posted to you, so you can give it to your friend or loved one in person; or have the gift pack sent directly to their address. E-card: Send an e-card directly to the recipient (they receive no physical cards in the post). You can even choose the date you'd like us to send the card.

Top notch trees charity gift

3. Your donation helps farming families

The families we work with pass on their skills and knowledge to others in the community, so the impact of your donation will be felt for generations to come.

"Before working with Ripple Effect my children often went hungry. We had no money or food. With the farming techniques I have learned, I am seeing great results from my hard work and the seeds I have sown. My children love all the crops that I plant, I take care of their preferences and taste. I grow crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas and pumpkin."

Caroline, Kenya

Can I send a gift to a friend in the post with a personalised message?

No, this is option is currently only available for deliveries in the UK.

What do I get if I make a donation in return for a Ripple Effect charity gift?

E-card: If you choose the e-card option, your loved one will receive a single email with details of the gift you have chosen for them, alongside any personalised message you’ve asked us to include.

Just a donation: If you would prefer to just make a donation towards a specific gift, you will not receive an E-card or a Gift pack in the post.

Can I send my charity gift by email?

Yes, when choosing a charity gift, you can select the e-card option. You can add recipient details here and a personalised message. You can even choose the date that you’d like your gift to be sent. Make sure you get the recipient’s information correct here, as you’ll be unable to update it later in the process. If you have made a mistake, you’ll need to remove it from your basket and start again.

My chosen recipient didn’t receive their e-card – why not?

It's possible the e-card has gone into their spam/ junk email folder. Ask them to check their spam/junk folder to see if their e-card is in there. Do let us know if they are still unable to find it and we'll check that our system sent it to the right address.

What will my donation be used for?

The gifts in this catalogue are examples of Ripple Effect’s work across the six countries where we work. When you buy a gift, you’re making a donation to help provide practical, down to earth support so families in rural Africa can develop their own solutions and become self-reliant. Your donation will be used wherever the need is greatest to make a real difference to the lives of families affected the most by poverty in rural Africa.

How long will it take to receive my order?

You can choose a specific send date for E-cards, or have it sent as soon as you place your order.

Can I have a refund on my donation?

As a charitable organisation who is a member of Fundraising Regulator, Ripple Effect ensures that our policies and fundraising activity is undertaken in line with the Fundraising Code. We hope this means that in most cases, our supporters have a smooth and rewarding experience when making a donation to us. Our intention is always to raise as much money as possible for rural families in Africa to help them to grow their own future. However, we appreciate that from time to time errors can happen and a refund or repayment of donation may be requested.

In line with the code we are unable to refund any voluntary donations made to us except in exceptional circumstances.

We have an internal policy which, along with our Gift Acceptance policy guides these decisions. If you believe your request may fall in to exceptional circumstances we ask that you make the request in writing to our offices or via email to info@rippleeffect.org

We also have a Vulnerable Circumstances Policy which can be found here.

Can I choose which country receives my donation?

Our charity gifts are typical ways you can support families in the six countries where we work. When you buy a gift, you’re making a donation that helps to provide practical and sustainable support, so families can grow a life free from poverty and hunger. Your donation will be used wherever the need is greatest to make a real difference to the lives of families living in some of the poorest parts of rural Africa.

I’m based overseas, can I still place an order?

All our online gifts (excluding merchandise) have E-card options. For international orders, including the US, we offer and recommend the E-card option so that your gifts can be sent straight to your loved one's inbox. However, we can still post charity gifts cards overseas for a standard postage fee of £3.

I’ve placed my order but realised I’ve made a mistake!

If you realise you have made a mistake with your order, please contact us immediately on info@rippleeffect.org (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm UK time). We will try to make your amendment but if your order is already in process, we are sorry but we may be unable to make any changes.

Can I send some feedback?

Please send any feedback to supporter@rippleeffect.org

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