Making a difference: worldwide charities you can get involved with
It is important that those more fortunate take the time to give back and make the world a better place. No matter how small the donation or gift, it will contribute to the greater good. Here are a few of the worldwide charities to which you should consider donating your services or money.
Gede Foundation
The stigma and pain that is associated with those suffering from HIV/AIDS can be staggering. Gede is working to treat and eradicate HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Founder Jennifer Atiku wanted to fight this devastating disease in her native country. Gede is unique because it offers complete care and prevention. While clinical services are important, Gede realizes that one of the problems related to HIV/AIDS is the lack of education regarding prevention and treatment. People suffer a lot of shame, which makes them afraid to discuss the disease or learn how to prevent it. Gede accepts donations and works with volunteers as well as other organizations.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
According to the extensive website and the opportunities listed on there, the foundation gives grants to many other organizations. Their goal is to fight poverty and disease on a worldwide level. The focus is to give disadvantaged people the tools they need to have a better life. This is accomplished by better medical care and research, educational initiatives, and more.
Heifer International
Heifer International is dedicated to eradicating hunger through sustainable agriculture initiatives. Families are provided with animals and other needs through donations and larger project funding initiatives. Examples of past projects include agricultural cooperatives in Haiti and dairy development in Africa. Heifer is a popular charity for office giving. Employees in a company could all donate a small sum to give a family a milk cow or goats.
American National Red Cross
The American National Red Cross has been a major charity for more than a century. It provides disaster relief to areas in the US. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, etc., can destroy much of an area, leaving nothing for survivors. Emergency food, shelter, and medical services are provided to everyone on an equal basis. This helps areas to recover more quickly. The charity accepts donations of goods, volunteer time, food, clothing, and more. The Red Cross also conducts blood drives that help save many lives every year.
Benefits of giving back
In the US, charitable donations are tax deductible. There is also the benefit of knowing that others are being helped and future generations have a better life. There are many ways of giving. Fundraisers can help bring many small donations together so that one large donation can be made towards a cause. A fundraiser can also be a lot of fun; for example, an office could do a food drive for a local food bank or homeless shelter by having a dinner or social event. By setting an example in the workplace, businesses help encourage people to give during their own time as well.