Christmas and Charities

[myopic]

Although Christmas can be a stressful time of year (last-minute shopping and finding a carpark = Yikes!), it is also the best time. We look forward to a break Reviewom work, catching up with Reviewiends & family, and good times.

Most of us are fortunate people: we feel smpe in our homes, have food on the table, and we live in one of the best countries in the world. I humbly ask that you spare a thought to the unfortunate ones among us and make a donation to a charity of your choice. The amount doesn't matter, but the effort does make a difference.

Being an animal lover, I donate each year to the RSPCA. I've decided to increase it this year to three charities in total. The 2nd one is Bravehearts, who help victims of child sexual abuse and lobby the government for tougher laws against pedophiles.

I would like to ask for any suggestions for my third choice. If you don't mind sharing, I'd also like to hear if you do a similar thing, or maybe you donate your time by volunteering somewhere?

I wish you all a smpe and happy Christmas.

xox
Sienna

 

[Absolute Rotter]

I agree wholeheartedly Sienna.....in this time leading up to Christmas we often lose sight of those less fortunate (and lets be Reviewank, that's most of the rest of the world!!). Lost in the hunt for presents for family and Reviewiends who, to be honest don't need anything more than they have already.

We made a decision, as a family, that we would each provide ongoing support for a child through World Vision with the money we previously spent on each other. Monthly payments ensure a good education/health etc for a child in a developing country who would otherwise not receive even the basics of life that we take for granted. These children are encouraged to write to their sponsors to let them know how they are going. So our Christmas present to each other is a collection of these letters so that we can all share in their progress at this time of peace and goodwill. I have to say that it's all rather selfish because you can't help feeling wonderful about what you are doing when you read these letters!!

So that's how we have handled the mad pre-Christmas rush. It was an idea that came to me a few years back when I was at Indooroopilly the Saturday before Christmas amid the mahem. I just sat back in one of the open coffee shops, gazing at the mostly Reviewought shoppers and the crazy consumerism around me and thought about what I was doing. It just didn't feel right.

Now we just get ready for the family get together and you know....it's made a difference. Everyone is more relaxed and the Christmas spirit is back!!

Give it a try!

Wishing a very, very merry and peaceful Christmas to one and all....and a bonkingly good New Year

PS We have of course made an exception for the little kids - they still get their presents. The above just applies to all the oldies!!

 

[tales06]

Hi Sienna, you sound like a very nice young lady.
We don't do anything special as regards donating at Christmas but we are part of a small group and we donate our time every March to a function which isn't easy to organise and all the proceeds are donated to the "Childrens Cancer Support Group".
We usually raise between $2,200 & $2,700 each year and have been doing it for the past 5 years.
As you say we live in a very lucky country.
Merry Christmas to Everyone and a Smpe & Happy New Year,
Cheers,
Rocky

 

[Lori]

I've got a World Vision sponsored child - that's only about $500 per year.

 

[namy]

There are so many charaties out there and so little cash. I have three sponsored children and have been doing this for more than 20 years. The kids change every four or five years as each village becomes self sufficient but the small amount we pay (about $10 per week each) makes a huge difference to their lives. Sometimes it is the difference between life and death.
I am also a big supporter of the Salvos. I learned this Reviewom my father. He always told me that during the war the Salvos were always there at the Reviewont line with cups of tea and bikkies, helped out in the field hospitals, arranged to get the mail through etc. He always supported the salvos and I guess this has rubbed off on me. I also sponsor an Under 10 Junior Rugby League team, the Cancer Fund and just about every other charity that knocks on my door. I'm a sucker for a good cause.
I am a great believer in putting a little bit back into the community. You cannot spend your life taking. You have to give something back.
Sienna, you sound like a lovely young lady with true values. If you are looking for a another charity then I would suggest sponsoring a child. There are too many children suffering in this world at the moment. A sponsored child is a great way to do a little to reduce the suffering.
Have a merry Christmas and a great New Year.
Cheers
V8

 

[{Zombiez like brainz}]

Good call V8. My dad's family are salvos. If religion is meant to be the love of humanity and the living reflection of one's God, then they're at the top of that list.

Haven't done anything to help anyone for a while. Too busy hoarding loads of cash and buying selfish gadgets. OK OK I'll part with some.

First a working lady - now charity!!! What next.....HAPPINESS..!!!???

 

[Sweet n Sour]

I've always supported Guide Dogs Queensland and I always make a
point of dropping into their H.Q. at Bald Hills with my donation.

Do you realise they get less than 7% government funding to assist with some of their rehab services and NO money towards the guide dog training program ! It's incredible what the guide dog training program has achieved based on people's generous donation of time/effort/money.

 

[Whitney C]

Dear Sienna

A timely and thought-provoking post, which has already stimulated some other like-minded responses.

Being a country boy who has worked in remote areas, I've been donating for years to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and now more recently to the emergency helicopter service as well.

We've been World Vision participants for some years, too.

But, although I spent years working with the Council of Social Service in the 70s, I've recently been quite overwhelmed to learn that we have proportionately so many more homeless people in Australia than back then.

In Australia, for heaven's sake! And our last PM told us for a decade that we've never had it so good! It's my latest addition to the list of things I've become ashamed about as an Australian in the past decade. I certainly hope that is now going to change with the new federal Government.

So, although individual acts of charity won't solve the bigger problem of homelessness, my family is nonetheless looking at how we can help the organisations that do so much to ease the pain - especially at Christmas.

I'm indeed fortunate at Christmas time, for so many reasons - none of it to do with consumerism, and all of it to do with an extended and loving family. So it is indeed a good time to reflect on the real spirit of Christmas, and act on those reflections for the happiness of others.

Thank you Sienna for the reminder. May you and your family enjoy a joyous Christmas.

And the same to all you other posters!

Regards
Ambrosia

 

[Milou]

I've enjoyed reading the reflective posts above. Thank you, gentlemen. :grin:

I realize that making a charitable donation is a very personal choice and not everyone would like to discuss the subject. But for those who don't mind sharing, I find it thought-provoking, inspiring and moving. It may encourage others out there, like 2-stroke, to make their own contribution in whatever way they like.

Thanks also for your suggestions.

Cheers :xmas:

 

[Retro95]

Great post Sienna and others.

I am fairly heavily involved with the Starlight foundation and it is at this time of year when it can be very hard for the kids and also their families.

No charity is "better" than any other. I believe if we all take a minute to think of those less fortunate than ourselves, and do what we can to help, we will help dramatically.

Remember, what may seem like a small thing to you, may just brighten someone's life forever.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Merry Christmas.

 

[sas35353535]

It may encourage others out there, like 2-stroke, to make their own contribution in whatever way they like.

OUCH.!! Singled out by the beautiful Sienna can't look good on my permanent record.

I am actually a generous guy with my family and close circle though I've sadly lacked in the anonymous charity department. To speak Reviewankly, I've probably donated a total sum of $50 throughout my selfish existence, though I guarantee that I claimed the full deduction on my tax return. (I'm going to hell aren't I?) :twisted:

I've always been a little wary of charitable organizations and the possible distribution of the donated funds. I only invest in open book ventures with obvious results. I could write a cheque for $1000, and to me, that would be like paying my mobile bill. It wouldn't be a new emotion for me, just another bill. I don't think that's the desired effect of donating, is it??

I'd like to maybe be involved in the charity more. I think my time is the most precious commodity I own so donating it would be the most charitable thing I could share. I'm going to offer some hours of time to a local dismally funded organization that does totally unselfish work. I'd name it here though that would give away my secret location. I haven't rung them yet but I'm 92% certain that I will.

Incidentally, I'd like to thank this whole forum for their help and comments on all subjects I've posted on. I love reading the input of the W/L's in particular. I recently had my first W/L experience and it completely changed my life. Passion = happiness. Money = depression. I'm in awe of W/L's and they have gained my highest respect. Sienna, I think the W/L Reviewaternity is the most charitable organization on the globe. They selfishly give their hearts, minds and passion to wounded souls such as mine. It is the most generous gift I've received and is totally appreciated. I've been inspired to do more. Thank you all.

I apologize if I offended anyone who donates money over time. That wasn't my intention. We all have our ways....... :

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi 2-stroke. I'm so sorry if I offended you or made you uncomfortable. That wasn't my intention at all. : I only mentioned your name because you said 'Haven't done anything to help anyone for a while. Too busy hoarding loads of cash and buying selfish gadgets. OK OK I'll part with some.' I didn't mean to imply that you weren't a giving person. I agree with your focus wholeheartedly when you say, 'I am actually a generous guy with my family and close circle'. Like the Dickens saying goes, 'charity begins at home'. We've got to look mpter our loved ones first.

We are all kind, generous people in our unique ways whether we donate to charities or not. It's the little things that we do in our daily lives that make a positive difference, like saying 'please' and 'thank you', being patient when things don't go our way, and helping out without being asked first. I only intended this thread to encourage anyone interested to say to themselves 'Why not?' :grin:

 

[MackMarinefamily]

I'm just kidding. I'm totally not offended. Sienna, it would be impossible for you to make anyone uncomfortable. I'm more uncomfortable that you're uncomfortable..!!!

Actually, I liked the attention. I was going to use the charity begins in the home quote also though it didn't seem to go too well with the whole hoarding loads of cash statement.

I'm shouting Xmas at my house this year with all the trimmings for my family. First time in ten years. I think they're suspicious.........it's kinda charity..??

I feel honoured to have been singled out by you Sienna and please feel Reviewee to mould me further. I'm glad you noticed me.

Merry Xmas......xxx

 

[gagan k]

I've been sponsoring a child for the last 3 years.
We really do have it so good in this country.
And Sienna, merry xmas and a happy new year Reviewom me and gizmo!

 

[Chauncey Q. Buttercup]

Sorry to take this off topic but DAMN and double DAMN!! I really wish I made the effort to see Sienna while I was in Brissy a little while ago. I've been smitten with her photos for a while now but her personality and caring nature really make me regret me laziness.