Hi everyone, I’m Nadia – a philanthropist who works closely with Islamic Help helping those in need in the UK and around the world. Just some of the projects undertaken by the charity have helped to feed those living in poverty as well as install communal water pumps in areas without easy access to clean water.
Incorporating Charitable Acts into Everyday life – It’s Easier Than You Think
It’s charity week and that means that there is a little more emphasis on making sure that we give what we can for a good cause. Whether it is sparing any loose change knocking around in our pockets, taking on an almighty challenge to raise funds and awareness, or just giving our time to help those in need – it all makes a difference.
Many believe, wrongly, that charity puts them out of their way – believing they haven’t the time to give to help those less fortunate. If you are one of the many who subscribes to this train of thought then allow us to be the first to say that you are wrong. Charity can be incorporated into everyday life just as easy as remembering to check your social media profiles – something which the average teenager can spend up to nine hours a day.
Taking Time to Talk to Those Less Fortunate
How many times have you walked past someone in the street, making it look as though you haven’t seen them when, truth be told, you see them every single time. Excuses like “sorry, I’m already running late” or “I’m far too busy” are your go-to get out of jail free cards.
What if, though, you spent just a few minutes talking to that person? After five minutes, you move on with your day, while that person is reminded that they aren’t invisible. You remind them that they do matter, no matter how cruel life may seem, they are a human being at the end of the day.
The act of giving doesn’t always have to hold monetary value. One can give their time which, in many cases, is the most valuable thing that anyone can give.
Pic Credit – Getty Images
Buy From a Charity Shop
While much of the high street is being taken over by the internet as consumers seek deals online, the trusty charity shops remain. Here, you can find better bargains than you could ever hope in any Black Friday offer as people donate items that they simply do not want or need anymore.
Everything is second-hand, but charity shops will only ever agree to stock items that meet a certain standard. When you shop via online auction websites (you know who we mean), you never quite know what you are getting or the standard you will receive it in. At a charity shop, you can look and feel the item before deciding whether to buy it and – the best part – that money goes to supporting a good cause.
Pic Credit – Getty Images
Direct Debit
In the 21st century, we no longer have to walk around with loose change in our pockets in the hope of coming across a bucket collector. This is certainly a big help to Muslims, who will know that with charity making up a large part of Islam, meaning that payments can be made electronically – therefore saving a lot of time.
For causes close to our heart, we can also set up a monthly standing order where the charity of our choosing receives a set amount directly from our account. As we are all human, it is easy to forget, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, all of that are taken care of for us. No more having to remember to check the calendar and/or diary to see what is due and when.
As part of charity week, consider the small changes that you can make to your everyday life that could benefit others. If you can make time just for even one small act of charity, the warm feeling you get inside will encourage you to do it again and again.
Charity week is such a great opportunity for us to help each other, one step at a time.
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