Why only Give at This time of Year.
Australians don't celebrate halloween or thanksgiving, they are just not on our calendar or embedded in our cultural history. Our media may play it up a little, but for most of us it is something that happens somewhere else.
Still, at this time of year we know it is a time of giving. Generally Aussies are a pretty generous bunch. A dollar or 5, here and there, last night for example Wikipedia asked for donations, so, I use it, why not?. and I put a few bucks in for them.
Probably like many of you, I have one that I feel my small contribution will make a greater difference, than giving to other well known charities.
Other times we feel we have been conned but cannot know for sure. A couple of months ago I was walking to the beach at Santa Marta (Colombia), waiting to cross the road, and I hear " Amigo do you speak English ?"
Shortly after I am listening to one of the greatest sob stories I have ever heard, from a Canadian, who was just about on one knee, begging for a few dollars.
I was going for a swim and only had a few dollars to get a drink and snack on the way home. I gave in, and put $20. in his hand. I crossed the road and turned back to see the Canadian at a street food stall.
He may have been genuine, but I didn't feel good. although $20 wasn't going to break me.
You have the big charities Red Cross, the Salvos, etc. some times I put a few dollars their way,
One I came across a few years ago really struck a chord with me. People struggling to become independent after suffering despicable trauma.
I put something their way a few times a year. Occasionally, I have put their site at the bottom of my posts.
A better idea I think, is to have it in my footer. which I will do.
Do you have a Story
Michael.
Recent Comments
4
Great post, Michael!
Jeff
Thanks Jeffrey.