Give back with little cost
We all have given thought to giving to charity or aiding the community at one stage or another.
No matter the charity, positively influencing others always leaves us feeling an unexplainable joy of fulfillment. It is this undefinable feeling that encourages us to keep on giving.
Giving back to charity does not always mean you need to reach for your wallet. Here are some cost effective ways to influence others.
Volunteer
Giving up your time to help another is the most effective way to make a difference. There are many ways that can help you positively impact other people’s lives. Some of these include:
OzHarvest – From washing containers to driving vans give up a bit of your time to help the only food rescue organisation in Australia to collect quality excess food from commercial outlets to deliver to those who are in desperate need.
Brotherhood of St Lawrence –Volunteering your time can allow young people to go to school, help refugees settle in Australia or help provide as small things as blankets to those who need it most.
RSPCA Shelter – Help provide animal care at your nearest animal shelter to help the rescued animals successfully become adopted into new homes.
Aged care homes – Bring a smile to many elderly residents by giving up your time to help organize their time become joyful such as organizing little day trips to the park for or to simply sit down and listen to the many stories they have to share.
Join a campaign
Australia’s biggest morning tea held this year on the 26th May 2016 helps raise needed funds into supporting patients beat cancer as well as finding a cure. Hosting the event allows your family and friends to come together to enjoy a cup of tea and indulge in some delicious food whilst showing your support towards cancer council.
There are plenty of other campaigns to join such as getting your friends and family to donate to World’s Greatest Shave by shaving or dying your hair a whacky colour or Superhero Day! where friends and family dress up as superheroes collecting donations to beat Muscular Dystrophy.
Create your own campaign
The internet has allowed us to become constantly connected with others. Social media platforms in particularly Facebook and Twitter are of great influence to most. Why not create your own campaign? An example of a campaign can be running a marathon or riding a particular bike trail. Family and friends are able to not only donate but share information to their extended loved ones.
Purchasing habits
Thirsty? Want to purchase a refreshing drink to quench that first? Why not donate at the same time?
Living in the 21st century has seen marketing techniques to sell products become more advanced than ever. Simply by purchasing different labeled products can lead to a donation to charity. Some examples of retail sites that allow you to donate with purchase include:
Thankyou Co – water, muesli bars, hand wash and more
Zambrero – Mexican take away – meal for a meal
TOMS –feminine hygiene that supports women in developing nations
Paul Newman’s own – food dressings
McHappy Day – McDonalds donate all profits on this day to Ronald McDonald house
Medical Donations
Influencing others does not have to be a behavioural change. Donating blood is a great way to give back to the community. What is greater than helping save a life? Saving three!! Blood donations are constantly needed. Our blood levels are back to normal in only a couple of days after giving blood meaning we are physically not effected for long. For more information on giving blood visit your nearest Australia Bed Cross Blood service centre or go to www.donateblood.com.au.
Become an organ donor. This may not be your usual idea of a donation. However, signing up to be an organ donor can allow you to continually have an impact on others even after your death. We can never predict when our number is up but it does not mean you cannot extend others.
Become a hero today.
