With the festive season upon us, what better time to be charitable and give back to the community?
The festive season is the perfect time to give a little back to your local community.
There are several ways you can give to local causes that involve various levels of commitment, depending on your availability, so there’s no real excuse not to!
Volunteer your time
During the holiday period there are always opportunities to support those in need by volunteering, so why not offer your services at a soup kitchen? If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, this is a great way to service the local community. Homeless people are often at their most vulnerable during the colder winter months, so by giving your time to help out at your local shelter you can make a huge difference.
Donate money
If you’re time-poor but want to help others you could donate money to the causes closest to your heart, particularly those that have relevance to your work. It’s not just charities you can help, either. During the festive period, smaller businesses can often lose out to larger corporations, so why not buy your gifts from a local retailer rather than a chain store? This way, you get to support local people, as well as spread a little good cheer.
Organise a charity event
A good way to to help out a worthy cause is to put together a charity event. This can be as simple as a bake sale, or as complex as a gala. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try organising a team event, such as a sponsored run or walk. For the best festive results, make it seasonal – who doesn’t love running a half-marathon wrapped in tinsel?
Sponsor local youth events
Though the festive season can be joyful for many people, for some younger people it’s not quite so great. Becoming an sponsor for local youth initiatives, such as sports tournaments and youth clubs, can be an extremely valuable way to support local people and give back. Alternatively, you can make a physical donation. For example, donating new kit to a local sports club can help foster local connections and keep the team playing together for longer.
Do a food bank drive
A simple way to show support is to hold a food bank drive among your employees. Encourage colleagues to dig out their tins, toiletries and other non-perishable items to donate. It’s better to set this up a few weeks before everyone heads home for Christmas to make sure you help change someone’s holiday for the better.
