Many of us who are reading this are lucky enough to afford a computer or have a stable job that allows you access to one. The sad reality is that there are a million others who have no idea what a computer looks like, let alone have access to one. “Count your lucky stars” we say or “we are truly blessed”. So why not share some of yourself this Christmas with those who are far less fortunate than you?
How, you may ask? Times are tight and many people are holding on to their jobs for dear life, just to provide the bare necessities from day to day. So do not despair, there are plenty of other ways that you could give back to the needy without breaking your bank.
Big Brother Big Sister South Africa (BBBSSA) is one of the many non profit organisations in South Africa that need voluntary help. This particular organisation provides assistance to disadvantaged and underprivileged children. An extra helping hand is always welcomed in providing for all children aged between 6 and 18. You can do this by offering your time to a child; maybe your tutoring or positive outlook can have a beneficial impact on a child’s life.
Volunteer at a children’s ward at a hospital, where you could read to them and set up various other activities to keep them entertained during their stay.
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Face painting, colouring and puppet shows are firm favourites. Since it’s the festive season you could also perform plays about Christmas and sing Christmas carols. Your performance and assistance will not only brighten the children’s day, but yours as well.
Spend time at an old age home, again by just reading to the aged, whose eyes have deteriorated and have robbed them of such a pleasure. Simple concerned conversation is sometimes all that is required to lift the spirits of the lonely, who are often neglected and forgotten by family and friends. You will be surprised at the response and how much you will learn about your own life.
Collect all old clothing that is in good wearable condition and donate it to a charitable organisation or a place of safety. This will benefit you and the needy – you need to de-clutter your closest and remove clothes you haven’t used for years and someone that is less fortunate will gain ‘new’ stuff to wear.
Go to the SPCA as these types of organisations are often understaffed, especially at this time of year. Who knows you may be able to find homes for some of the little darlings, and probably take home a friend or two. You can help with almost anything, from simple bathing and grooming to the walking and feeding of the animals.
Instead of by expensive gifts for family and friends this year, you could donate the same money to a charitable or religious organisation of their choice in their name and hand them the receipt as proof of the donation.
Christmas is the time for feasting, but if you cannot afford to sponsor a meal on your own to a non profit organisation, get together a few of your family and friends to contribute towards a meal on such a special day.
Whatever you decide to do to help out, I am sure it will give you the fulfilment of giving back. Remember Christmas shouldn’t be the only time of the year that we think of the less fortunate, reaching out or lending a helping hand should be delivered throughout the year.
Article By: Alishka Rabinarain
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Many of us who are reading this are lucky enough to afford a computer or have a stable job that allows you access to one. The sad reality is that there are a million others who have no idea what a computer looks like, let alone have access to one. “Count your lucky stars” we say or “we are truly blessed”. So why not share some of yourself this Christmas with those who are far less fortunate than you?
Face painting, colouring and puppet shows are firm favourites. Since it’s the festive season you could also perform plays about 
Instead of by expensive gifts for family and friends this year, you could donate the same money to a charitable or religious organisation of their choice in their name and hand them the receipt as proof of the donation.
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