When we talk of charity most of us begin thinking of how much we can spare in terms of cash. We start analyzing what of the things we plan to discard can still be donated. Most of the time we think in terms of material things. These are good ideas. People always need money or goods. Things we no longer need can be useful to someone else.
There are other ways though to be charitable. It can be as simple as doing any of the following:
- Smile at everyone. You never know who may just be in need of the ray of sunshine that your smile brings.
- Skip dessert today and donate the amount you would have spent to a charity that feeds the poor.
- Promote peace and harmony. Don’t squabble with your kids or argue with your spouse. Teach by example what harmony is.
- Be even more loving than you already are. Love does the greatest good. It changes people when they are treated with love. They walk taller, become gentler and strive to be their best. Isn’t that a great gift to give them.
Categories: Activities, Ideas, Tips
With Christmas time comes the more visibly felt spirit of giving. More people are feeling generous and more charities come forward to ask for your assistance, making the most of this time of year. Question is, how do you know that the money that you give actually gets to the people who need them?
One of the best ways to make sure that it goes to those you truly feel are in need is to give to a local charity that you like. You really don’t have to go very far. Your church or local clubs may already have something. Choose one that sponsors a cause that you agree with and find out if can visit some of the recipients or inspect some of the sites (in cases where construction of any sort is involved). If they accept donations for distribution, they may also need volunteers to help pack these gifts up in boxes. You’ll be able to see for yourself the work that the organization actually does this way. You might even be able to go along as they deliver some of the boxes.
If your community has a Christmas gathering, get involved. There are many organizations that set up community christmas celebrations where the low income families can gather for a christmas meal and the kids can receive toys. It can be a lot of fun as well as be very fulfilling.
Categories: Activities, Charities, Children, Elderly, Families, Holidays, Ideas, Tips, Volunteering
Christmas is just around the corner and yes, there will be quite a few people without anything to celebrate this special night with. For a number of people, they just can’t afford to spend that much on their meals. They barely have enough for other necessities so Christmas may seem like just another day.
Take a page out of Anthony Robbins’ Basket Brigade. All you need to do is find out who in your own community may be in need of some help this Christmas. Put together what they would need for a good christmas meal and place them in a basket or box. If you want to add some other stuff, feel free to go ahead and be generous. You’ll be amazed at how much a difference it can make.
The next step is to deliver the baskets and boxes. It is best to keep it anonymous as some people’s pride won’t allow them to accept what they perceive as charity. You can often work through your local church. They’ll take care of making sure that your gift goes to those who need it.
Get your community involved too. In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the fire brigade is collecting non-perishable items from anyone in their community who is willing to contribute. They’ve stationed themselves outside supermarkets and groceries so that people can actually donate immediately after shopping. The two teams have made it a competition amongst themselves in fact to raise more than the other; but the true winners aren’t the firefighters, it is the people to whom everything will go.
What are your plans for Christmas? Can you spare a canned good or two?
Categories: Activities, Events, Families, Holidays, Ideas, Inspiration, Tips
There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.
Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.
Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice
One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.
Categories: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering
Up next in the charities to consider for the upcoming season of giving is Thrive, a UK charity which helps the diasbled and mentally ill through gardening. Unlike other charities which supply medicine, food or fund research, Thrive helps people by providing a purposeful activity which helps them to cope with a difficult period in their life.
Thrive
Mission: Thrive is a national charity, founded in 1978, that makes use of gardening to change the lives of disabled people.
Gardening is a wonderfully flexible medium through which an individual can accomplish many things. Some may be immediately apparent, such as rebuilding strength after an accident or an illness, or providing a purposeful activity which helps people to cope with a difficult period in their life. Some may be less obvious such as helping to improve literacy through a simple task such as labelling a plant or reading a seed packet. There are some disabled people who simply want to enjoy gardening but need practical advice and skills to get started or to progress.
Focus: To research, educate and promote the use and advantages of gardening that can be accessed by anyone and everyone with a disability.
How They Help: Thrive’s activities are varied but all focus on championing the benefits of gardening to individuals and organisations, as well as teaching techniques and practical applications so that anyone with a disability can take part and enjoy this activity. Underpinning Thrive’s work is a research programme which provides evidence, improves understanding and supports the development of appropriate skills.
Online Donations? yes
Categories: Activities, Charities, Disabled, Elderly, Environmental, Holidays, Ideas, Men, Mental Illness, Volunteering, Women
