CHARITY- A HAND UP NOT A HAND OUT

Canadians can get donor fatigue. Charities send their literature. People pawning for money in the street. Stores ask if you want to donate to their cause. Yes they can be the lovely tax deductions that come in handy when filling out our tax returns. Don't forget our taxes already pay for many services and goods for Canadians. Just say the word Health Care! Although some people think it is free! We all would like to make a difference in people's lives and think the money donated does help. So pick your cause or causes and think about what is the difference you want to make. I like World Vision for example- the money for a goat, a rooster and two chickens. I envision a family getting a chance at being self sufficient. If the rooster does the job there will be more chicks. I like the Red Cross as it is there internationally and at home. One can give to a special event. So if there is a flood or tornado in a certain area of Canada the donation can be targeted for that event. Remember the ice bucket challenge for ALS- well some went to services but a lot to research. If those now affected by that neurological disease can have a better quality of life due to new treatment wouldn't it be amazing! Canadian Tire with their helping children participate in sports. Sports for exercise, team work and perhaps lead to a job of some kind in the sports industry. The food bank may just seem like a hand out but people do need to eat. Those Breakfast clubs that help children start their day with nutrition is vital too. Even welfare in Ontario is no longer that. It is called Ontario Works so help for awhile but let's get you back working. Subsidized day care for low income parents keeps them working while good care is provided for their children. I have known such parents and it is a blessing for them. Eventually they no longer need day care. Education, health, dental and community activities let us give a hand up to others. Expecting them to take advantage of the education and work opportunities to give back to society can be our message. Thus our charitable donations can be a loan to the future. Receive now and give back later to help someone else that comes in your path. Yes I do give a loonie or two to a homeless guy on a visit to the city or the musician in the subway. I don't know why they are there. I will not judge. They need to eat too. Or do I just think- there for the grace of God go I!