As English author John Bunyan once said, “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” The concept of doing something for someone who cannot repay you goes by a variety of different names. Some call it generosity; others say goodwill and some might call it philanthropy. But one of the most popular names for giving without compensation is simply charity.
Charity plays a valuable role in our everyday lives. It encourages us to give to others who are less fortunate than ourselves, without any expectation to receive something back. However, many people believe charity only means donating money. But there is much more to it than money! In fact, if you strive to live an altruistic lifestyle, there are a variety of different ways to be more charitable without spending money. Here are some ideas to try.
Give blood
Let’s start with something all of us have: blood. Donating blood to organizations like SANBS is free and doesn’t take much time. More importantly, your donation could help save someone’s life.
Volunteer your time
Volunteers play a valuable role for non-profit organizations, by meeting needs and freeing up time, space and finances for other areas. If you want to get involved with a charity, consider how you can volunteer your time to have an impact.
Contribute your skills
Your skills can also make a huge difference for a charity you care about. Consider offering your services pro bono to a non-profit organization you care about. Many charities need skills in a variety of specialized areas, but do not have the funds to hire a professional.
Give gently-used items
Many of us have way more stuff than we actually need, so why not help others out by donating your gently-used items? Sort through your clothes, shoes, furniture, and toys to see what you don’t need and consider how giving it to charity could influence someone’s life.
With each tree planted, we decrease toxicity in addition to encouraging wildlife and wellness.
Raise funds
You can raise funds for charity in many ways—by organizing a local collection, sharing your favourite causes on social media, or participating in a sponsored walk.
Buy intentionally.
In the age of corporate social responsibility, many businesses—local, national, and international—offer to donate part of their proceeds to charities. This means that simply by buying intentionally, you can help make an impact.
Whenever you recycle used materials like plastic, these materials are then converted into new products. This is so important to our environment because it reduces the need to use natural resources and reduces pollution.
Ask for gift donations
If your friends and loved ones often ask you for birthday ideas, you can ask them to donate to a favourite charity instead.
Charity prompts us to make important contributions to our community, but these donations don’t always have to be financial. If you want to give back without spending money, consider these charitable options. Then, get involved and see how you can make a difference.
I would love to hear to hear from you. Let me know in the comments what are some your charitable actions that do not cost a dime?
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