What does the word CHARITY mean, exactly? The word has many connotations these days – from simply giving alms to the poor, to a more divine, selfless way of giving.

So just in case you were wondering, here are the word’s origins. The rest is up to you.

“….The word “charity” entered the English language through the French word “charite” which was derived from the Latin “caritas“.

In the twelfth century it indicated a state of benevolance towards the poor.

In the fifteenth century charity was used to indicate ‘the state of love or simple affection which one was in or out of regarding one’s fellows; an occasion or body of people seeking to embody that state; the love of god, in both directions.

The fraternity was the embodiment of this ideal. In 1700, it meant ‘an optimistic judgement about the good intentions of others; an act of benevolence towards the poor or needy; an institution erected as a result of such an act.”

In Christian theology:

“…Love, in this sense of an unlimited loving-kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. In its most extreme form such love can be self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word “love.”

The love that is caritas is distinguished by its origin, being Divinely infused into the soul, and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation, and with it no one can be lost.”

Categories: Charities, Ideas, Religious | Tags: charity-definition, charity-history, Charity-origins

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The non-profit group has been running for quite sometime since the Tsunami’s of past and they have been filling the gap that left millions of people without clean drinking water. Founded by Curt and Cathy Bradner, an American couple who have given up everything to help the poor people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) many of whom lack basic necessities for safe and healthy living as most of Asia’s developing countries. Myanmar, being run by a Military Junta has been cut-off from the rest of the world by a military that reports directly to their generals. Suspicious of Westerners (mostly Americans) whom they distrust due to criticism they receive from most of the West. The couple have been working in the country for quite sometime and have bought Visas (long term) which is a rarity in the country. The tsunamis devastated much of the effected areas contaminating water tables, decaying animals and people who were left without proper burial have also contributed to the pollution which if not corrected, would kill just as many people that were killed during the disaster itself. Disease is the aftermath of any disaster and many of them are spread through contaminated drinking water. Many of the developing world’s diseases are water-borne and the couple who started it all has been working ever since to get safe and clean drinking water to all who needs it. They have focused their efforts on Myanmar due to the utter isolation of the country from the rest of the world.
They sold everything they had and made a promise to get clean and safe drinking water to all who need it. The tsunami ravaged Myanmar was a perfect area for them to operate in due to little or no contact with the outside world. They designed simple filters made of pottery and lined with coconut husks that are capable of filtering out almost all of the harmful bacteria and other contaminants that may be present in the water. It is estimated that every 15 seconds, a child dies form disease caused by drinking untreated or polluted water and they have been fighting ever since to bring their low cost water filters to poor people who do not have much cash to purchase commercial filtration systems. The coconut and earthen filter removes all but the tiniest contaminants with a colloidal silver solution mixed in to kill any deadly pathogens that may still be left in the water. They are then safe for all to drink, especially children whose small bodies can be easily ravaged by disease.
The country is so poor that most live in huts outside of the capital with not much in terms of modern infrastructures to support the country’s growing population. They need help in their projects and their children back home manage and maintain their web site which is one of the ways they earn money for their many projects. They have managed to produce filtration systems that run from car batteries and they are in urgent need of money for funding and other purposes for them to continue helping those who need it the most.

Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, News, Products, Websites | Tags: Children's mortality, Safe Drinking Water, Thirst Aid

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Charities of all sorts abound these days, but here’s one that will tug your heartstrings. Denver Health Medical Center has released statistics that show that more than eight out of 10 newborns are in need of assistance. These babies are born to families which are not well to do. As such, they struggle to provide for the needs of the babies.

That is why the charitable organization Denver Health’s Newborn in Need was born. This organization caters to the needs of mothers who have just given birth and their babies. The money that the organization gathers is used to provide for essential items such as diapers, milk formulas, and blankets among other things. If you would rather give goods as opposed to cash, the organization will gladly accept your donations as well. In fact, the hospital has a dedicated room to house goods that have been donated.

The sad fact, however, is that the shelves in the rooms are starting to become depleted. It seems that the needs are much higher than the donations that are coming in. That is why the organization is now actively seeking gifts from those who are willing to give them.

According to a story published by 9news, the mothers who have received these donations have expressed their gratitude. For those in the area, donations can also be made when shopping at King Soopers, where donation cards are available for $3 and are added onto your grocery bill. For more information, you can also visit the organization’s web site.

Categories: Charities, Children, Families | Tags: babies, Families, newborns

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Charity abounds and it is not limited by age as the charity event sponsored by Save the Children showed many people when they flocked to several locations to support a “Sleep-over” program that aimed to raise awareness and funds for less fortunate kids all over the world. The event was held in June when they also broke records for the most number of children who have participated in an event of the sort anywhere in the world.
Children should be educated in the roles they are to play in this ever troubled world for they are some of the most affected by strife and misery when problems occur. May it be economic turmoil, conflicts or even victims of long past wars, they are the most scarred and abused which leaves them helpless and maimed both physically and mentally unable to deal with life that should have been in front of them.
Most of the world’s displaced children suffer from poverty, crime and other illegal activities such as child labor that they sometimes feel nobody cares for them and their future. Organizations who aim to help them like the UN through UNICEF and other Non-Governmental charities aim to change that and again bring hope into their lives educating them and teaching them all they need to know that would allow them to face tomorrow and see it as bright as it could be.
The event, in partnership with the Autism charity TreeHouse, was successful in showing that children where ever they may be have the power to change and influence their world in their own little ways. More power to the people who makes such events and charities possible, and to the millions of people who give to others in need as we all make this world a better place to live in for all.

Categories: Activities, Charities, Children, Fundraising, News, Organizations | Tags: Children, Children's Charities, Sleep-Over Charity Event

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I have always believed that it is not really considered charity if you do not do good out of your own volition. If you are forced into doing something OR if you do good works because you feel that you have to do it, then that is defeating the purpose of charity. However, I am also a pragmatist and realize that if people do good even if they were only urged to do it, then that is better than nothing.

And I think this is what is happening (in some cases) with a UK organization called Do Good For Debt. The idea behind this group is brilliant, really. What they do is provide the opportunity for those with students loans (which are usually immense) to pay back their debt and at the same time, do good work. Inventor Spot has this feature on them:

The non-profit UK based organization was started by Ian Wallace, who found himself so constricted under the weight of his 14,000 GBP student loans that he took a job in a factory while looking for a job in his chosen field; law. With his life decisions completely surrounding making his debt payments and keeping a roof over his head, this innovative entrepreneur decided there had to be a way to look after his best interests, and give back to his community at the same time.

Do Good for Debt was created, with a main goal of working with charities to encourage recent college graduates to give back, while taking a little something for themselves in the process; complete student debt repayment. Perhaps monetary compensation for charity work, defeats the purpose and takes away from the philanthropist mentality, but hey, recent grads have a better chance at making a contribution to society if they don’t have the burden of student loans hanging over their heads.

As I said, this is better than nothing. More so, I am sure that many of the people who participate in the program would willingly help out in other circumstances anyway. Call it providing an opportunity. By the way, Do Good For Debt has a MySpace account – add them!

Categories: Charities, Programs, Volunteering | Tags: Charities, debt

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