When disaster strikes, our natural tendency is to help. When disasters hit us, we are thankful to the agencies and folks that help us. In 1998 there was a flood that hit our area. I was grateful to the Red Cross who came to our small town with food and a helicopter for any medical emergencies. Most of our roads were more than unpassable; They were destroyed. Living through that experience gave me a new appreciation for the power of water and a great respect for Mother Nature.
When I started this newsletter I was focused on the devastation across Vermont and the wildfires in Hawaii and Canada. Now, as I get ready to send it out, there are so many more disasters of note: floods in Libya, earthquake in Morocco, wildfires in Greece….And for too long now, the man-made war in Ukraine.
I was raised to help those in need. Professionally, I appreciate giving in a new way. Plus, I understand today there are so many in need.
Where you chose to give is as important as what you give. Rather than impulsively giving, it is important to give to causes that resonate with your heart. Helping in a natural disaster is great. Beyond that, are you donating regularly to causes important to you. These choices count because giving needs to matter to you in addition to the amount of money you give. Where your money goes needs to be in alignment with who you are and what you value. Then, you are helping to improve the world whether it is a local community organization or a global worldwide effort.
How you give is as important as when you give. Those who give on a regular basis from their paycheck, credit card or bank account automatically are often called “sustainers” for the charity. However, I have found that more people forget they are giving this way, which is not consciously caring for their money or charity. I encourage them to also give in other ways much more consciously: write a check each time you receive a bonus, gift, or each month. By making the effort, then you will have the reminder of the good you are doing in the world. And do not do it all at once for the wrong reasons which include on impulse, guilt, or other benefits. For example, many people race to the end of the year to make monetary donations, so they claim the tax benefit – limited for some taxpayers but more extensive for others.
If you are reading this and thinking, I am in debt and cannot give. Decide here and now to donate something. Not much money? Give even a dollar a month in addition to giving some of your time. Donating can be powerful for you when you share consciously what you have.
Have plenty of cash to support your non-profits? Give money and give your time. Seeing what your money does on the front lines has an impact on you and the people you support.
There are so many ways to support those in need and those trying to make the world a better place. Giving Time, Talent and Treasure are key aspects. Aligning with your values and priorities is essential. And most of all, donating consciously and open-heartedly.
Doing my part of sharing I would like to give you some ideas and give tribute to those doing their work throughout the world.
If you have been thinking about giving some money to organizations in response to what has been happening worldwide and do not know where to start, I offer some information and links below:
Through professional contacts, I have learned of the following places to donate in Hawaii and Canada:
Giving in Vermont:
Vermont Community Foundation started a fund to help flood victims
Capstone has been on the front lines in Vermont for decades and is one of the hardest hit areas providing food, shelter, and service to those in need.
One of my personal favorites is Vermont Adaptive. Vermont Adaptive is not the only place I give or volunteer. They just resonate with my love of sports and sharing with the population I have worked with since I was teenager. I have learned much from these well-rounded athletes and am grateful for the time to serve. Two of Vermont Adaptive’s athletes were stars in the Champions movie with Woody Harrelson that came out this past Spring. (Great movie!)
