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Day 144: 5 Ways to Donate for Random Acts of Kindness Extreme Challenge

Random Acts of Kindness Week Donate!

Donate today! What does that mean “to donate?” What if I don’t have any money to GIVE. What if I have lots of money to GIVE how do I decide where it should go? What if I have not time to donate or what if I have extra time to donate?

Since today is Day 145 days of giving for me I feel like I am becoming somewhat of an expert on donating and giving. Every day I “donate” or GIVE in one way or another and I thought I would share a few of my favourite ways to “donate” so you are able to complete Day 6 of Act of Random Kindness today.

Day 144: Give 144

5 Ways to Donate for the RAK Week Challenge

1) Your Local Animal Shelter

Our families donation for today will be made in honour of a little girl named Phoebe. It’s her first birthday and and instead of purchasing a gift for her (our kids all have to much “stuff”) my son and I will go get some towels and blankets from our local Thrift Store along with some special treats for the animals. We could easily give money to the SPCA but this understanding and learning for my son makes it the teaching easier to understand and tangible.

2) A $1.00 to GIVE

Some people don’t think a $1.00 will change the world but I disagree and so does Philanthroper.com. Everyday this site features a different cause that you can support for just a dollar. They take your dollar along with everyone else’s dollar and everyday they are able to impact an organization with a group donation. I love this because it’s everyone working together to make a big impact.

3) Out of the Cold

I recently did this GIVE and it felt great to help a person living on the street. If you don’t have any money to donate maybe you have a few items you no longer need and could pass on to a homeless person. Here are a few ideas that are so appreciated when you live on the street: clean dry socks, a pair of gently used shoes or boots, a blanket, a warm hat, gloves, scarf, a sweater. This list goes on but I think you get the idea.

4) Volunteer

If you have the luxury of a little extra time so many charities are in need of extra hands. Whether you can read a book to someone that is not able to, do administrative tasks or serve soup to the homeless, every minute we GIVE to an organization is one less dollar they have to pay out to get someone to do it. It keeps administrations costs down so more money can go directly to their cause.

5) Money that Grows on Trees

Many people are very blessed in this world with extra money to GIVE. They work hard for their money and want to know where they can donate it. There are so many wonderful causes and organizations all over the world to donate to.

Where do you begin to learn about donating your money. Here are a few sites you can go to that will help you find charities that are accountable and transparent. You can discover what percentage of your money is going to the actual cause and what is going to administration costs.

Be thoughtful about your money. Know where it’s going and what impact it is making. Direct it to something you are passionate about and you are willing to stand behind. Money is a gift for any not-for-profit organization so take your time and choose wisely. Here are a few sites that can help you with your decision.

1) Charity Village

2) Charity Navigator

3) Global Giving

4) Network for Good

5) Just Give

There are so many ways to GIVE / donate in our world. Take the time today to donate. RAK week is your inspiration to GIVE what you can today. Don’t wait – just do it.

Time Commitment: 20 minutes for blankets and towels to the SPCA

Cost: $10

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)