Being charitable is getting easier and easier every day as mission-based companies emerge and charities provide more accessible ways to contribute. Over the past few years, I have increased my time commitment and financial dedication to a few charities, and the benefits far outweigh the cost. I hope this post informs you about the myriad ways you can make a difference so that, with a few minor changes, we can collectively have a meaningful impact.
Scientific studies reveal that charitable contribution creates a response in the brain that mimics one activated by drugs and other stimuli. The response elicits a surge of dopamine and endorphins that are experienced as hedonic and rewarding.
There are also many findings from studies across the globe about the health benefits of charitable giving. Specifically, studies reveal that people who give more to others experience greater satisfaction than those who do not. They report higher feelings of joy and contentment, higher measurements in overall health such as resilience during physical activity and lower blood pressure levels. There are also findings that people who volunteer and make charitable contributions have lower rates of overall stress.
There are rewards to being charitable, both for the giver and the receiver. Not only are you helping those in need, but you are also developing positive character traits and behaviours in yourself. Charitable work allows you to see life from someone else’s perspective – their struggles, hardships, triumphs, and strengths. It is a privilege to be a witness to another’s life. And in being one, you gain appreciation and gratitude for your own life.
If you have never donated your time or money, the best way to start is by making generosity a more intentional part of your life. Here are some things to consider:
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Every little bit helps, so start small.
Make your contribution early in the month before money gets sparse.
If you plan to donate your time, schedule it into your calendar and commit to the activity.
Consider diverting a discretionary expense that you likely won’t miss.
Focus on your passion – children, the environment, animals, community, clean water, education. Pick a cause that lights your fire and start to help.
When I began writing this post, I felt informed about the myriad ways to be charitable, but man, was I wrong. There are so many things we can do, many of which have minimal impact on our lives.
Donate your time
Most people claim to be short on time, but finding a couple of hours in your schedule to make a difference in your community must be possible. Below is a list of organizations that thrive because their volunteers make small contributions of their time:
Local food banks or soup kitchens
Community organizations – libraries, hospitals, museums, retirement homes
Animal and homeless shelters
Thrift stores
National parks
Political campaigns
Walkathons, bikeathons, and charity runs have become popular since their invention in the 70s with the March of Dimes. Their rise in popularity is supported by the “martyrdom effect,” which suggests that through suffering for a cause, we have a more significant impact.
Other ways to donate time include:
Becoming a coach – sports teams are always looking for volunteers. It’s also a great way to have a positive impact on young people
Raising guide dogs
Recording books for the visually impaired
Becoming a Big Sister or Big Brother through your local chapter
If you enjoy business, your skills can be used by serving on a community or charitable board. If cooking is your passion, some organizations aim to get food and meals to those in need. Companies like Meal Train and Take Them a Meal have been doing this for years.
If you’re handy and like physical labour, you can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and help build homes. If you enjoy writing, many organizations ensure troops, veterans, and first responders receive letters to raise their spirits.
Donate Your Money
Thank goodness there is such diversity worldwide because while some people enjoy donating their time, others prefer to give money. There are many ways to donate financially, such as writing a cheque to a charity or having a withdrawal made to your paycheque through your employer. Below is a list of other ways to put your money to good use:
Use gift-giving holidays (e.g. Christmas) as a time to give to others. Forgo gifts from your family and instead give them to someone in need.
Use organizations like Echo Age for children’s birthday parties. Instead of receiving a present from every guest, Echo Age directs a percentage of the contributions to charity, and your child gets a few less yet amazing gifts.
Buy your personalized Holiday cards from Cards for Causes, where a portion of your purchase is donated to charity.
When purchasing your child’s lunch at school, donate to the charity pool for those in need.
Buy a charitable food bag at the grocery store. They’re usually conveniently located by the checkout. They typically cost $5-$7 and contain non-perishables.
Collect spare change around your house and donate to a local shelter or food bank.
Give a charity gift card through organizations like Canada Helps. You purchase the gift card and give it to the recipient who chooses the charity of their choice. Canadahelps delivers the funds to the charity.
Sponsor a child through organizations like World Vision, Save The Children. or Salvation Army. For about $40 a month, you can ensure a child in a developing country has food, school supplies, medicine, and bedding.
Sponsor a child through organizations like World Vision, Save The Children. or Salvation Army. For about $40 a month, you can ensure a child in a developing country has food, school supplies, medicine, and bedding.
Sponsor a child through organizations like World Vision, Save The Children. or Salvation Army. For about $40 a month, you can ensure a child in a developing country has food, school supplies, medicine, and bedding.
Participate in silent auctions where often you get a good deal, and the money goes to charity because items are usually donated.
Donate your things
One of the best ways to help yourself and others is to donate things you no longer need, such as clothing, household articles and books. So many charities now pick up directly from your house, so it’s a win-win. Other ways to donate your “things” include:
donating points from loyalty programs
donating used computers and other electronics
donating old and unwanted items to a charity yard sale, or having your own yard sale and donate the proceeds
donating career wear to organizations like Dress for Success whose mission is to help women transition from unemployment to economic independence
Change your shopping habits
Social impact companies continue to grow and thrive as people recognize the importance of contribution. For almost anything you need to buy, there is likely a company that will make a donation based on your purchase. I’ve listed some companies below that have great products and even better social causes:
Warby Parker Glasses
Me to We School Supplies
Feed Bags
Bomba Socks
Dopper Water Bottles
Roma Boots
Smile Squared Toothbrushes
The Giving Keys Jewelry
Cause Gear
CauseboxSubscription Box
The Company Store Bedding
Better World Books
Figs Scrubs and Medical Wear
Twice as Warm Hats and Gloves
WeWood Watches
Lastly, there are ways to shop online at web portals that allocate a portion of your purchases to charity. Two well-known sites are Good Shop and Amazon Smile. On both websites, a part of your purchase is donated to charity. I mean… seriously, why wouldn’t everyone do that?
Lastly, there are ways to shop online at web portals that allocate a portion of your purchases to charity. Two well-known sites are Good Shop and Amazon Smile. On both websites, a part of your purchase is donated to charity. I mean… seriously, why wouldn’t everyone do that?
There is a wide array of possibilities when it comes to helping those less fortunate. Let’s all try to make one small change for the better. Imagine the impact we can have. I commit to sending Christmas cards this year (which I NEVER do,) and I will purchase them from Cards For Causes. I’m also going to switch my Amazon web browser to Amazon Smile. What are you going to do?