So you’re not rich? You can still help your fellow citizen

Opinion. The views expressed are the author’s own.

Getting calls every few minutes soliciting donations of every type. Don’t they know a recession is going on here? Yes they do, and that is why we are getting these calls. When the economy has gone flat, jobs hard to find, the cost of living rising daily and there is no place to hide from our lived experience charities are on the ball calling soliciting us for every dollar possible. They know what you do not. Canada Revenue Statistics show when the walls are falling down around us Canadians donating more. They cannot go on long trips, eat out much, buy expensive gifts for themselves but we can make ourselves feel better by helping others.

Psychology Today claims there is a human response etched into our brains that leads us to respond to our fellow neighbors cries for help. Yes donations are down all over the sector, as they were when during the Pandemic Period, but specific charities are booming, as too some specific businesses that cater to our selfish needs. Business within the Salon and Spa Sector do well during a recession. Why? Because we may not be able to buy or do what we originally wanted to do, but we can pamper ourselves with a massage, get our hair and facial done and have a glass of wine while this is happening. Taking care of oneself can align with a charitable cause as well. The Terry Fox Runs are a spectacular way to show community spirit and help fight a horrid disease.

Acts of social conscience and social activism can be very powerful yet simply done.

1. Donate your body to science. The use of your body can help cure terrible diseases.

2. Sign your donor card. Christine Clarke of Wales passed June 28th ( We are Tyrone News ). She donated her body to the medical field. Several organs and parts of her body were used to help others. That is an incredible seven different people whose medical needs were met by a charitable loving woman.

Note: if you wish to donate your organs or body please advise your family of your wishes. At time of death the medical field has a limited time to use these gifts.

The smallest of gifts can help the less fortunate, the needy and destitute and even the wealthy who are in need of surgery and medical help. Charity must never have a socio/economic tag put to it. Helplessness can be dealt with if your willing to accept others into your life. A helping hand is a collaborative thing. A decision made yet your not alone. And feeling good about your decision to help others is celebratory, so be happy about it.

Steven Kaszab lives in Bradford, Ont.