Winter always seems to highlight the stark contrast between those who have and those who don’t. Like many others, I’m sure, I often feel overwhelmed by the need I see around me.
Being a bit of an over-analyser, I get a little frustrated about the lack of sustainability in the way I give. Sometimes I do just give something randomly, knowing that although what I give will (hopefully) bring momentary relief, it definitely won't solve any deep-seated issues. So I’m not going to make poverty disappear, and yes, sometimes I will practice guerrilla philanthropy* – but I believe we can still make a difference in people’s lives – even in this way.
With this in mind, I’ve put together a short list of practical things you can do to help, but I’ve also included links to blog posts that I’ve found useful for pointing my attitude about giving in the right direction.
A note on sustainability. I’m all for sustainable and conscientious giving, and I’m figuring out how to best do this as I go along. However, I do think if done wisely, and discerningly, we can also help meet short-term needs - and the list above will hopefully be useful in this way.
*I've used the term "guerrilla philanthropy/giving" a little creatively - to describe the impromptu kind of giving I sometimes practice but there are other meanings for this term (see here, if you're curious).
Being a bit of an over-analyser, I get a little frustrated about the lack of sustainability in the way I give. Sometimes I do just give something randomly, knowing that although what I give will (hopefully) bring momentary relief, it definitely won't solve any deep-seated issues. So I’m not going to make poverty disappear, and yes, sometimes I will practice guerrilla philanthropy* – but I believe we can still make a difference in people’s lives – even in this way.
With this in mind, I’ve put together a short list of practical things you can do to help, but I’ve also included links to blog posts that I’ve found useful for pointing my attitude about giving in the right direction.
- Pop up clothing shop – get in touch with a local organisation serving the homeless and see if there’s a need for clothes. If there is, help organise a pop up shop. Alternatively, combine efforts with a pre-arranged pop up shop.
- Help children with street connections – Kids Haven is an organisation which reintegrates children with street connections back to their communities. Things on their current wish list are (among others): blankets, beanies and socks – and cake (yes, that is correct – aspiring girls with cake, you know you want to help). The cake is needed throughout the year to help celebrate the birthdays of the 95 (or so) children who live at Kids Haven at any given time.
- Volunteer. In Jozi, connect with Paballo Ya Batho (more info here), and if you're in Cape Town, you can volunteer at The Haven Night Shelter.
- Thoughts on giving – go here and here for two helpful blog articles.
A note on sustainability. I’m all for sustainable and conscientious giving, and I’m figuring out how to best do this as I go along. However, I do think if done wisely, and discerningly, we can also help meet short-term needs - and the list above will hopefully be useful in this way.
*I've used the term "guerrilla philanthropy/giving" a little creatively - to describe the impromptu kind of giving I sometimes practice but there are other meanings for this term (see here, if you're curious).