Today's topic for "Spend more time than money" holidays is about giving gifts that help charities raise money for their good causes. This is not a comprehensive list, but hopefully it will reveal some ideas for gifts you may not have considered that not only will provide a nice present but will also support a cause worth championing.
If you are in the UK and still need to get some cards, here is an excellent combined Charities website of all charities selling cards:
The Woodland Trust has great tributes and great trees for purchase---in particular I think they have some really gorgeous photographic images on their cards and stationary:
“The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. Thanks to the help of our members and supporters we now care for more than 1,000 woods,
covering 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to our woods is free.”
In the USA you will want to check out the American Forests website, they also do tributes and take donations but don't have a shop as such:
“American Forests, the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the country, advocates for the protection and expansion of America’s forests. Since 1990, we have planted nearly 40 million trees. Our goal is to work with our partners to plant an additional 25-30 million trees in forest restoration projects during the next five years. We restore watersheds to help provide clean drinking water. We replant forests destroyed by human action and by natural disasters."
There are only a few people who don't love little furry critters The RSPCA has some lovely animal-based products:
"We're the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and we've been here, looking out for animals, since 1824. It's our vision to work for a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with all other members of the animal kingdom."
If you do not live in the UK, look out for more animal charities in your local area or in the country in which you live. If you are in the USA, try the ASPCA, they have an even more extensive range of holiday gifts:
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“Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse; pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide.”
Would you rather support a children's charity? Here are some worthy children's causes that purchasing your Yule gifts from can support:
"Every child has a story. For 1.7 million American children, that story is filled with the abandonment, loneliness, and shame that comes from having a mom or dad in prison. For many, it may also include following their parents down the same destructive road to incarceration."
The Angel tree is a charity I used to support in the 1980s & 1990s when I still lived in the USA, you simply pick a name from the Angel tree and purchase or make gifts that are given to children whose parent[s] are in prison. It ensures that these children are given a gift when other children do. No matter what their parent[s] have done, the children are also victims who did nothing wrong but who will suffer sadness and isolation from their family member.
"We raise money to enable Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide world- class care for its young patients and their families and to pioneer new treatments and cures for childhood illness"
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"Riley Children’s Foundation is committed to improving the health and well-being of children through philanthropic leadership in support of Riley Hospital for Children and its research programs."
[This is one is also close to my heart as I used to volunteer there doing crafts and art classes for the kids in hospital, it is a really good place and deserves support]
"Barnardo’s transforms the lives of vulnerable children across the UK through the work of our projects, our campaigning and our research expertise. We believe we can bring out the best in every child whether the issue is child poverty, sexual exploitation, disability and domestic violence."
"The NSPCC was founded in 1884 and our vision is still to end cruelty to children in the UK."
"For Folk's Sake" is selling Christmas music and all profits go to the Integrated Cancer Centre at King's College London, which combines cutting-edge cancer research with patient care. This charity supports the research and those suffering with Cancer.
This post could turn into War and Peace if I am not careful, so I will end it here.
There are still so many, many great causes to support that I couldn’t cover here. Please consider looking locally for those raising money for good causes. Giving twice is doubly well-intentioned, sharing the joy and love with all [the 99%] this season.
Please share at will, Gabrielle, 2011 x
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