Tag: generous

“Micro-Generosity”

There’s always lots to read and write about global poverty, “Third World problems” and the massive efforts taking place by international aid organisations, but sometimes it’s good to hear about local action taking place – you could call it “Micro-Generosity” (similar to micro finance) – not ‘micro’ as in a small amount of generosity, but in terms of generosity taking place on a smaller scale, by individuals or small organisations or groups.

These days there are some great tools around that allow people to raise money for just about any cause. Everyday Hero is a great Aussie website that does just this – build your own fundraising page to raise money for over 1200 charities. It’s very popular with over 20,000 ‘heroes’ in action today! Another big one is Causes where “anyone can change the world” as they say. And it’s true – they’ve raised over $40 million for 27,000 non-profits! Continue reading ““Micro-Generosity”” →

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Countdown to a Miracle

Scans of "Button"

Baby #2 (affectionately known as ‘Button’) is due anytime now. I’ve finally just started to get into the ‘baby-having’ mindset and think about the amazing but intense experience we are about to go through. As I reflect on the whole pregnancy and birth experience, I can’t help but be drawn to the bigger picture by recent experiences of friends, and also what I know about some sad experiences of pregnancy and birth that happen in the third world.

I feel so blessed to have one beautiful child, and to be on the verge of having another – if you have kids, stop for a moment and give thanks for them (even though they may drive you up the wall at times!), because it is a miracle that you were blessed with them. Speaking with my mate who recently lost his baby girl an hour after birth, we were reflecting on how the whole birthing and pregnancy experience is something that is seriously out of our control, and very much in the hands of God. Even amazing doctors, with access to the best medical resources, are sometimes powerless – they couldn’t save his little treasure. Continue reading “Countdown to a Miracle” →

Celebrate Progress and Never Stop Asking for Change

MDGThere’s a lot of power in shocking statistics that portray the ‘doom and gloom’ of poverty and other big issues – they can help us to come to terms with the reailty of what others are going through in this world and can often move us to action. I see heaps of these ‘shocking stats’, but not so often do I come across more ‘positive stats’ – stats that highlight the encouraging progress that is being made and celebrating the change that has been achieved over the years.

I recently came across a great video that showed some great stats on the progress that has been made on the Millenium Development Goals (MDG):

In 2000, 189 nations made a promise to free people from extreme poverty and multiple deprivations. This pledge became the eight Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015. In September 2010, the world recommitted itself to accelerate progress towards these goals. (from UNDP website).

MDGThere’s some big goals here and it’s so encouraging to see the progress that has been made so far – here’s a snapshot of some awesome ‘positive stats’ from the video: Continue reading “Celebrate Progress and Never Stop Asking for Change” →

One for One

TOMSI come across quite a few different programs and efforts to support and raise money for different causes, in fact at times it can be quite overwhelming! Occasionaly there is one that stands out and inspires me because it is clever, unique or doing something extradionary to help others. I recently came across this great program called ‘One for One‘ which is run by TOMS (www.toms.com), more famously known for thier range of shoes, where each pair of shoes they sell, they give one pair to some needy kids – unique and clever! They are quite famous infact – I was suprised to see they have almost 1 MILLION people who like them on facebook (www.facebook.com/toms)!! Great to see so many people supporting an awesome program like this. Continue reading “One for One” →

Charity at work

I got an email at work the other day about a an encouraging response to a sad situation. One of our staff members nephews has cancer and is undergoing surgery to have his arm and shoulder amputated…! Full on stuff for a young kid to go through, and on top of that his mum has recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This sort of thing tends to give me perspective, and makes me think how lucky I am, even when I have a rotten cold (like I currently do!), it’s really nothing to complain about compared to what some people are going through.

Continue reading “Charity at work” →

From Cup to Crop

Cup to CropI recently came across this great new program called Cup to Crop.

This sort of thing is something I’ve been thinking about for a while, so I am encouraged that someone is on the ball and doing it! It’s basically a creative way to fight hunger in the developing world, particularly among Children.

“About 5.3 million children under the age of five die each year in developing countries from malnutrition and hunger-related illness.

This is not only unacceptable, but also completely preventable.”

One of the best parts of this is the ‘Dining to Donate’ program. We love to eat, and the Kids in developing countries need to eat! So if you like to dine why not get out there and eat at one of these restaurants and give the $3…not much in the scope of things!

Continue reading “From Cup to Crop” →

Overload!

Most have probably experienced ‘information overload’… But have you ever experienced ‘generosity overload’?

OverloadI don’t know about you, but I get bombarded by people or organisations asking for my money…asking me to donate, to give, to partner… to be generous! Whether it be a charity organisation just running their usual donation call or it’s in response to the latest natural disaster (and how many of these have there been lately!), there is always a good reason for someone to be asking for your generosity.

Continue reading “Overload!” →

CAN do…!

Compassion CANI joined the Compassion CAN (Child Advocate Network) yesterday… been thinking about it for a while and decided it’s time to take some action (so to speak!).

I’m excited to get into promoting the awareness of child poverty and challenging those around me (and myself!) to take action to relieve this poverty and to support the world’s most needy kids. Compassion has a big dream:

“At Compassion, our vision is that ‘every Australian Christian is an advocate for children’. Our dream is to see all followers of Jesus in our nation engaged in child advocacy.”

If they can get even close to this…what a massive impact it would have on child poverty! If you are passionate about children, and excited about helping those living in poverty then i’d encourage you to take some action and join the CAN!

If you’re not keen to join, that’s cool, but if you keep reading this blog then I’m going to do my best to challenge people to take some action… so I hope you might consider it!

Give a gift a month

You might know about the good old Tear gift catalogue and give something at Chrissie, once a year, but here’s a challenge to give a more regular gift of life to someone who really needs it: Gift A Month program

“TEAR Australia’s Gift A Month program enables you to help create a world of change.”

By buying a Useful Gift each month for a whole year, you’re supporting TEAR’s Christian partners as they work in partnership with communities overseas, helping them overcome poverty and marginalisation.

Gift A Month is ideal for involving your family, workplace, church or faith community in remembering the poor and supporting them in their fight for justice.

Check it out: http://www.tear.org.au/gift-a-month/