It’s that time of year again, when you’re desperately trying
to think what to buy for those ‘difficult’ friends and relatives. You know, the
ones who’ve already got drawers full of socks they never wear, those who still
haven’t used the perfume you sent three years ago, the people who say you
really shouldn’t waste your money on them but who will take umbrage if you
don’t …
Here’s an idea for a gift that will make the recipient feel
good about themselves, won’t cost you a fortune in postage, and can be given
again – and again.
When I am Rich, charity won’t be a problem. I won’t have to
think twice about giving to every good cause that tugs on my heartstrings. ‘You
need some money? Of course!’ I’ll say. ‘How much? Would you prefer cash or a
cheque?’
But until then charity is a big problem, especially at this
time of year when there are so many fundraising campaigns all asking for my
money. I really wish I could give something to every Syrian refugee, every
person affected by typhoon Haiyan, all the sick and hungry children of the
world, the homeless and deprived in my own relatively rich country … and, no, I
haven’t forgotten the endangered animals, mistreated pets, and our threatened
natural environments.
Unfortunately my limited resources won’t s - t - r - e - t -
c - h that far.
When I do make a donation I want it to be put to good use,
and that’s the other big problem with charity. Call me an old cynic, but I
can’t help wondering how much – indeed, if any – of my small contribution will
actually trickle down to those who need it most. How much will be used for
admin and publicity? How much will be ‘diverted’ by corrupt officials? Or
simply get lost in a long supply chain?
And that’s why I found myself nodding and smiling when I
discovered Lend With Care. It’s a simple way of helping people who are working
hard to help themselves and their communities. Instead of giving handouts to
anonymous charities you lend a named individual the small amounts (minimum
£15.00) that they need to fund business enterprises.
The transaction is managed
by a microfinance institution that assesses the borrower’s business idea and,
if a loan is approved, agrees a monthly repayment schedule with them. As the
borrower repays their loan it is passed back to you, the lender. You can then withdraw
your money from the scheme, or reinvest it by loaning it to someone else.
If you’re not rich enough to give your money away this is a
brilliant way to make sure it goes round – and round – and round!
When I am Rich I won’t have to think twice about giving to charities. I’ll cheerfully donate millions to what I think are the most deserving causes. But while my funds are limited, I’ve discovered I can give a little money in return for a few minutes of my time – without even leaving my desk!
Many charities make money from their websites simply by asking people to click on them. The more visitors, the more they make from advertising revenue.
In less than a minute I can click on six different buttons here, helping not only organizations that are working to eradicate world hunger, but also those involved in other issues including health, literacy, conservation and animal welfare. (The site also has a store selling all kinds of ethical and Fair Trade goods, which helps to raise more money).
It takes longer to donate here, but it’s fun – and educational. Choose a subject and answer questions. Each correct answer earns grains of rice which are distributed through the UN World Food Program.
I’m hoping the game on this site will improve my – what was it? – ah, yes, my memory. If not, I’ll still be helping someone else.
I’ve also started using EveryClick as my main search engine. Each search I do generates a little income for a UK charity. There are lots of other charity search engines, some covering different locations or types of charities. You can find more here.
Now I really must stop playing games and clicking buttons. I need to do some work, earn some money, and then I’ll be able to give even more to charity!
