Donating Triggers Good Vibes
By Brett Kondratiew
Giving vs Receiving
Remember back all those years when as a child, you couldn’t wait for Christmas. What marvelous presents am I going to get this time? It was all about you, but as you mature, you realize that it’s the giving that makes you feel good. That giving makes you feel better than receiving.
Scientific fact that donating makes you feel good
Donating to your charity of choice is pretty much the same; and the reason behind it is has some scientific evidence. The reason we feel good about it, is because it activates the pleasure centers in the brain. Donating is a real “mood booster” much like the feeling that many feel when they exercise.
Helping Others in Need
Fortunately, most of us in the western world were born into favorable circumstances. Therefore, I believe it should be an obligation of those with abundance to help those in need. Donating is not just for human beings. Animals suffer all forms of cruelty and because they are helpless and without a voice, the question of donating should be a “no brainer”. Whether it be to stop poaching of elephants or to end the clearing of the Orangutan habitat for palm oil production animals face daily victimization by humans. Only the really insensitive would not feel a need to help.
Donating Strengthens Personal Conscience
How do you feel about that? Is there a moral duty or obligation to give when you are well provided for? Me and a lot of people believe so; that such an obligation is ingrained in one’s personality and reinforces the moral values that their parents taught them. These also can include the importance of family, honesty and compromising with others. It is no surprise that showing kindness and empathy is seen by many as the most important personal value to have, which of course is central to wanting to donate.
Every Little Bit Helps
One of the biggest “downers” many people feel when looking to donate to charitable causes, is the thought “can my little contribution help? The answer is a definite yes; you can really make a difference! The few bucks that you spend each day on a coffee, can make a massive change to people’s lives who have nothing. At this time of year, the festive season brings great joy to most of us but for those who have nothing, it can be the most miserable time of all.
A Cup of Coffee
If every person donated the price of a cup of coffee, consider what the collective amount would be? To take a song title from one of my favorite artists, Paul Kelly. “from little things big things grow”. Also consider this quote from the Talk About Giving Team, “It’s not the size of the contribution that matters; what matters is the outcome your giving produces”. Both a poignant and important statement that should make sure that those with any doubts, do reach into their pockets.
Donating is a Tax Deduction
Let me say if the reason to donate gives you a refund at income tax time, that’s an added benefit. Sure, the act of donating is a great tax write off but clearly if your heart isn’t into it, then there may be better options. However, a chance ignored is a chance missed to help those who really need a leg up. I have a good friend, a successful businessman that at Christmas, gives presents to at least 100 needy families in his vicinity. In addition he puts on a Christmas lunch for those who would normally miss out. The thought of doing what he does as a way to snag a tax write off is ludicrous. He epitomizes all of what this article is about. He understands that he is in a financial place where he can make a difference in people’s lives if only for a fleeting moment.
In Summary
Remember, that the good people who work hard in charity organisations, are reliant on us for contributions. Because quite simply without donations they will not have the funds to carry on their great work. Here in Australia, the highlight of my Christmas Day, is to see the volunteers who donate their time and effort to put on a terrific Christmas lunch for the needy. The site for this is Kings Cross in Sydney and to see the look of gratitude on the faces of these vulnerable and challenged people is overwhelming. When lunch is over, the music starts and to see them dancing with each other and the volunteers is priceless. They can’t wipe the smiles off their faces and this surely is the embodiment of the goodness of donating.
References:
http://www.talkaboutgiving.org/why-donations-of-every-size-count/
https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/blog/id/200/9-positive-effects-of-donating-money-to-charity
