Being Charitable, alone we can do so little, together we can do so much!

Over the last five years I've been setting goals instead of new year's resolutions.  Things I can achieve throughout the coming year.

As part of my goal setting, I reflect on the previous year, what worked and what didn't and what I want to do moving forward.

When I look at my desired goals, I try to break it up into different key focus areas:

• Something to Do
• Something to Have
• Something to See / Experience
• Something to Become
• Something to Give

Something to Give

Each year I try to do something charitable. I believe it is good to support people or charities in need.  Not only is it good for the community, but it also feels bloody great too.

So, on that note I thought I would share some of the causes I've supported.  Not for a brag but to shout out some of the wonderful thing's others are doing in our community.  And maybe it might inspire you to get involved with one of them also.

Donate your time:

It's not always about making a cash donation, giving time is of great value also.

• Provide food service to people on the streets via organisations like The Big Umbrella Foundation

• Donate blood or plasma via Australian Red Cross 

Make or Donate Goods:

• Children outgrown their wardrobe, so why not donate clothing to a charity to distribute or use to raise funds.  I support St Kilda Mums

• Spring cleaning and have unwanted linen or towels, why not donate them to an animal shelter.

• Have a skill or hobby, make goods you can donate also.  I crochet blankets each year to donate to the St Kilda Mum's also.  Great for those newborn babies, I hope it brings a little joy to have something made with love when a mother is going through a challenging time.

Host a Fundraiser:

• This year I wanted to raise funds for the local Animal Rescue - Furkids  where I adopted my two kittens from.  I created a 12km walk and charged friends $12 to participate.  It was a good will payment, and they got to commit to a morning walk with their friends.  I also made sure we finished at a pub where we could relax with a drink and a meal.

• Our family has also hosted a cookie dough sale where we supported The Chalmers Foundation who raise funds for numerous projects that enhance peoples medical care. 

• A good friends has held numerous 'Bring a cake, buy a cake sale'.  With this she encourages women in her community to bring a cake (like you would for a cake stall) and then you're encouraged to buy someone else's cake.  Sprinkle that with an afternoon of drinks and socialising and everyone wins. 

Participate in an Event:

There are always loads of charitable event's you can participate in throughout the year.

• In October I'll be participating in The Bloody Long Walk raising funds for Mito
• The March Charge is another one I partook in a couple of years ago.

So whether you donate your time, your skills, your efforts or your money there is plenty we can do to give back to our communities.  

Trust me when I say it feels amazing to do good!  And if you rally the troups you can have a lot of fun along the way!