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The act of giving creates a sense of social conscience that helps one soar. The relief and happiness that comes from living an altruistic lifestyle are irreplaceable. While ‘giving’ enriches the receiver with resources. Studies have shown that ‘this act’ arouses a sense of positivity, gratitude and thankfulness, which positively impacts the giver's mental well-being. This act of giving has various names, ranging from generosity, goodwill or philanthropy to charity and donations. It is the best therapy for the reward centre in your brain as it invokes a sense of satisfaction. It makes you feel happier when you realise that you, too, can make an impact.
Moreover, it enhances your financial well-being by teaching you how to manage money and, in some cases, reduces your taxable income by 2.5 times the amount of money donated to charity. Cash donations made to an approved Institution of a Public Character (IPC) or the Singapore Government for causes that benefit the local community are tax-deductible donations. Not all registered charities are approved IPCs. Check for approved IPCs here.
Photo by Katt Yukawa on Unsplash
A common misconception around ‘giving’ is that these donations are only of one form, i.e. monetary, and are mostly performed by wealthier individuals. There are various ways to be more charitable without spending money! The gift of giving can be taken up by almost anyone (including students, fresh employees etc.).
Stated below are some avenues of Giving beyond Money for you to try!
According to the Red Cross, one blood donation could save up to three lives. Blood is something that all of us have, and its donation, to some level, wouldn’t result in any direct loss. Yet, it could be the catalyst to saving someone’s life.
The notion that blood donation is time-consuming, painful and harmful to the immune system is nothing but a fallacy. In fact, the process takes less than an hour! It causes the same pain as a blood test, and the prick heals within a day. Donors’ immune systems also remain intact as red blood cells reform within a few days, and the white ones take only a few weeks to get back to normal levels.
Click here for a quick reference to blood banks around Singapore.
Photo by Nguyễn Hiệp on Unsplash
Rooms accumulated with stuff that you barely use are a common sight for many households. One way to put this stuff to better use and clear up space would be by donating these gently used items. It could make a difference in someone else’s life! Sort through your clothes, shoes, furniture, toys and books today to see what you don’t need.
You can donate second-hand goods, which are in good and resalable condition, to charities.
Example charities: The Salvation Army and the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) thrift shop. The Salvation Army accepts clothes, furniture etc. and sells them at its Family Thrift Stores. The SCWO's New2U Thrift Shop accepts items such as clothes, books and toys in good condition.
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash
Organisations do what they can to ensure it’s convenient for donors who may find dropping off items too much of a hassle. You can normally schedule a collection as per your availability or drop them off.
We all have a diverse skill set that can come in handy to non-profit organisations in the form of pro-bono services. Many national and local charities require specialised services but lack funds to hire professionals.
Doctors, Lawyers, Consultants and other specialists could offer their services free of charge, while students can volunteer to teach. By performing these services pro-bono, you can donate to charities without giving money and still do an enormous amount of good
Volunteers play a valuable role for nonprofit organisations by meeting needs and freeing up time, space and finances for other areas. If you want to get involved with a charity, consider how you can volunteer your time to make an impact.
For example, those who enjoy interacting with people can volunteer to befriend lonely seniors or plan and carry out activities for adults with disabilities. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, you can volunteer to plan the logistics for an event or write a charity newsletter.
To find volunteer opportunities, go to Singapore Cares, a national movement to build a more caring and inclusive society.
Volunteering has become convenient in the current era with time/day schedule which can be done online on the organisations’ website. These organisations also adapt and alter volunteering needs by asking for ‘virtual volunteers’ during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
WHAT TO GIVE ON A LIMITED BUDGET. COMPLETED. ✅
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