Christmas is a time of celebration and giving - giving to your
friends and family.
Increasingly for many Australians, the Christmas season is a time when they reflect on the community around them and seek out ways they can make a difference in their local community. It is also a time when people look for ways of supporting their favourite non-profit groups among the 700,000 dedicated community groups that exist in Australia.
This is one reason why this year we are launching Australian Giving Week (December 5-11, 2005) to focus
attention on the idea of giving back.
It has been a difficult year for many people and has been a year that has in many ways been overshadowed by some major events and disasters. Australian Giving Week - and indeed all through the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year - provides an opportunity for people to think beyond their own situation and look at ways of supporting their own community.
It is a chance to connect, to make a statement - and to make a
difference.
For some people, this statement will be in the form of donations or
pledges but there are countless other actions - big and small, local and
global - that individuals, families, workplaces and schools can
undertake publicly or anonymously to support their local community.
Community groups need your financial help but they also need your
volunteering support, vocal support, membership support, attendance at
events and 1001 other ways that people show their appreciation of the
non-profit groups that make life better for their families, friends and
communities.
We've put together 125 ideas to help make it easier for you to make a difference this Christmas.
If you want to make an immediate impact, visit the Australian Giving
Centre at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations -- the free
online donation service for community groups across Australia -- and
find an appeal you like the sound of. There are currently more than 650
separate appeals listed on the site which is supported by Westpac Bank.
Of course, community groups need support not just at Christmas time but
all year round, and we encourage you to become a participant rather than
a spectator - Join in and Join up in your local community! As
a start, email the link to this page to your friends and family.
Thank you again to Westpac Bank for their support of the Australian Giving Centre.
1.
Donate to your favourite community group online at the Australian
Giving Centre on www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations or through your
favourite group's website.
Make a quick and secure donation without leaving your chair. Over 670
appeals have been listed for donations online at the Australian Giving
Centre at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations (the service is
free to community groups so 100% of your donation reaches the group of
your choice). You can browse for groups, or search for a group or cause
you support. Donors in Queensland can also visit the Gold
Coast Gives site (www.ourcommunity.com.au/goldcoastgives),
developed by Gold Coast City Council with the support of Our Community.
Or visit the website of your favourite non-profit group or charity and
see if you can donate online today. Or search the internet for the website of your favourite community
organisation, read through ther achievements, their mission and their
goals and show your support by making a donation through their secure
online facility.
2. Send a
cheque or money order to your favourite group
Show your appreciation for their community work. If you don't have a
credit card, or if you just feel more comfortable signing your name on
your donations, post a cheque to your favourite community group. Many community groups hold appeals in the lead-up to
Christmas and appreciate any gift, no matter how small. Many groups
will also happily take credit card donations over the phone. Take the
time to tell them why you are donating. Ask them where your donations
will be used.
3. Ask
your friends to give money, not presents
If you are one of the many people who already has most things they
need, why not ask
your friends not to give you a Christmas present this year but to
instead donate the money they would have spent on you to a nominated
community group? It will make for a more meaningful Christmas than
another pair of novelty socks or set of hankies.
4.
Swap gifts for donations
Instead of giving out Christmas presents, consider making a donation on
your friends' behalf to an appropriate community group. Give
them a card telling them that you have made a donation and provide
the receipt. Again, the benefit will last longer than a pair of socks,
a packet of soaps or box of chocolates.
5. Buy
your Christmas cards from a community group
Many charities and community groups raise funds by selling their own
cards - look them up at http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmascards.
This is an easy way of helping out a local group and giving something
different and meaningful to family and friends. It can also help to
spread the word about the group you are buying from. The choices are
endless. There are also many charity card shops in capital cities and
major regional centres.
6. Buy
your presents from a community group
Many local groups and schools hold fairs offering a wide range of
goods. Larger groups sell goods online, at sites such as the Oxfam
Community Aid Abroad Shop (http://www.oxfamtrading.org.au/shell/online_shop_index.asp)
where you can buy a goat, a chicken or a vegetable seedling (well the
money equivalent anyway) or most of the larger community groups now sell
merchandise that also sells their message.
7. Buy
an extra present
Buy an extra toy or present this Christmas and put it in the
collection box at your local shopping centre, office or church. Many
department stores, such as K-Mart (under the Wishing Tree) collect presents to be
distributed to disadvantaged groups by community organisations such as
the Salvation Army and Brotherhood of St Laurence. Find other local
organisations such as ABC Local Radio who are also establishing Christmas trees in their foyers to allow
listeners to provide gifts. Check your local council to see if there
are other options locally.
8. Use
a community group fundraiser to send a letter to Santa.
There are some community organisations that will send letters back
from Santa for a small fee. Why not provide a nice surprise for your
kids and also provide a couple of dollars for a community group that is
raising money. See http://users.netconnect.com.au/~guidesballarat/guides_files/SantaLetters.htm or find a community groups where Santa is writing letters from in your
local area.
9. Buy an
extra can
During your weekly grocery shopping, put an extra can of
non-perishable food in your trolley and place it in the donation bin at your supermarket or give it to a
group that can use it to help others. Toiletries are also often in
short supply.
Similarly, why not buy an extra can of pet food at the supermarket and
donate it to the local animal
shelter. Shelters, such as the Lost Dogs
Home, also need items such as blankets and
are always on the lookout for new members and volunteers to cope with
the increased number of animals abandoned post Christmas.
10. Get
your gifts wrapped by a community group stall
If you are getting your Christmas gifts wrapped, look for a
gift-wrapping service run by a community group at your shopping
centre. If there isn't one, ask the centre management why not. Suggest
a group for next year.
11.
Sponsor a child
Consider sponsoring a child through an overseas aid agency such as Plan or World Vision, or help to
sponsor the education of an Australian child through groups such as Giant
Steps. Your gift could make a world of difference to the recipient
and set someone of the road to a better future.
12.
Give as you earn
Set up a payroll deduction to make a regular donation to a community
group. Or you can organise for regular credit card payments to a
community group through the online donation facility at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations.
For more information on workplace giving you can visit the Prime
Minister's Community Business Partnership site at http://www.partnerships.gov.au/philanthropy/philanthropy_workplacegiving.shtml.
13. Buy a
cake or pudding from a local community group
Often Christmas cakes or puddings are sold specifically to raise
money for certain community groups. If you're not making your own or
you're adding one to a hamper for friends, try to target one where the
proceeds go to a community group. Or buy one from a local school or
community Chirstmas fete.
14. Buy
your Christmas tree from a community group
Consider buying your Christmas tree this year from a local scouting
group or community organisation selling trees. Real trees are also
more environmentally friendly than artificial, plastic ones, and after
Christmas they can be recycled by being cut up for garden mulch
(remember to take off the decorations first!). Think Green. Think
Community. Try the list of community groups selling at www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmastrees.
15. Make
your Christmas tree a live one
Even better, sponsor a tree in a community garden. If there isn't a
community garden near you, why not create one? Or find an environmental
organisation that will plant one on your behalf.
16. Buy a
Christmas CD.
Have a look at the Spirit of Christmas CD, which is sold through Myer and raises money for
community organisations -- or is there a musical collection put together
to raise money for your local choir? Why not add
a CD to your collection that both brings a smile to your face and
brings a dollar or two to a deserving group?
17. Take
a stall at the market
When you have that Christmas cleanout, instead of donating all your
retro gear (signed Peter Andre CD, favourite Barbie, Staggers jeans or platform shoes) take a stall at a trash and
treasure market and donate the takings to your favourite community group.
18.
Prepare a budget for giving to your favourite
groups in 2006
Prepare a budget for giving in the New Year. Make a list of the groups
you would like to donate to and figure out how much you can afford to
give to each and when. Stick to it! It will help to ensure that you
support the groups you really want to support or have a true affinity
with. Our Community has some tips on how to give wisely. You can find
it at http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/givingtips.
19. Where
there's a will there's a way to help your favourite
group
Consider preparing a will this Christmas that bequeaths
part of your estate to your favourite community group or groups so your support can continue after your
passing. Ask your legal adviser to assist you in doing this. Or ask your
preferred community group for a will pack or informaiton on leaving a
bequest.
20.
Attend a local community event and drop a few coins
Lots of local groups hold fetes, fairs and other fundraisers at this
time of the year. Offer your support by going along and buying fairy
floss, raffle tickets, or a taking a turn at the lucky dip.
21.
Donate a gold coin to a good cause
If you're planning to host a Christmas party or Christmas drinks at
home or at work, ask your guests to throw in a gold coin for a
nominated community group. If you can't all agree on the group to
help, put the names of the groups in a hat and draw one or two out.
22. Use
your Christmas lunch to raise money (as well as laughs)
Hold a fun fundraiser during your family or neighbourhood Christmas
lunch. Put a jar in the middle of the table and have guests donate $1
for every bad joke, "blooper" or extra helping of Christmas pudding.
At the end of the day let the family choose a community group or
charity to donate the money to.
23.
Double up for luck
If you use a community gift wrapping service or attend a gold coin
donation event this Christmas, consider giving two gold coins instead of
one, or a donation on top of the cost.
24. Do
your Christmas shopping at businesses that support groups in your
community
Where possible, shop with retailers or companies that donate a
percentage of their profit to charity. Ask local groups or schools
which businesses support them.
25. If
there's a scheme that helps community groups, register your group to
receive a share
Alternatively, if you shop at a supermarket or business that offers to
give a percentage of its profits or a percentage of the
money you spend to a community group, make sure you register your
group with them. If you're spending all that money on Christmas mince,
it's good to know at least a percentage is going back to your favourite organisation.
26. Buy
an Agoutis, a Kodiak Bear, a Clouded Leopard or a DeBrazza's Guenon
for Christmas. Or for something less exotic, what about a donkey?
Sponsor your favourite animal at
your zoo or wildlife park. You don't get to take them
home, but you do get the joy of knowing you have helped to feed and
care for them for a year, and they'll probably wave at you when you go
past.
27. Buy
wine that leaves a warm inner glow as well as a hangover
A number of wine companies have now established partnerships with major
and local community organisations, donating a percentage of the sale price for every
bottle sold. If there's a choice between two similar wines, go for
the one supporting a community group you like and respect.
28. You
want fashion - try pre-loved or re-loved gear
Consider buying some of your original fashions from a community
organisation. Some groups, such as the Brotherhood
of St Laurence's Hunter Gatherer stores, now have a fashion outlet
and many other community groups produce merchandise and clothing
carrying their message and logo. As they say, "Awareness is the
new black!"
29. Buy a
pet from an animal shelter
If you're planning to buy someone a new pet for Christmas, visit an
animal shelter instead of a pet shop. Unfortunately, there are plenty
of animals looking for homes. But first of all make sure that you are
happy to look after them for 365 days a year - not just one.
30. Buy a
ribbon. Buy a badge. Buy a pen
If you see an organisation selling ribbons, pens, badges or anything
that is for a fundraising appeal, go out of
your way to purchase one. And wear the ribbon or badge to show your
support. Many groups at this time of year are also bundling up
merchandise to sell through their websites.
31. Set
up a collection box in the kitchen and collect coins for a cause
Set up a charity box in a corner of your kitchen or living room which
any family member can put something in when they feel generous - when
it gets close to Christmas find a community group to donate the money
to. Make it a family discussion over the group that you feel can use
it best.
32.
Sizzle up to a snag
You've been resisting them every Saturday morning all year, but while
you're out shopping, why not stop at the local sausage sizzle and grab a
snag to support your local group.
33. Hang
onto your milk bottle tops (use the milk first)
Many schools and community groups save the bottle tops from Paul's milk, which then offers
community groups 10 cents or 20 cents for each one. If you use Paul's
at home or at the office, collect the lids and donate them to a local
school or group.
What other products do you buy that have community group offers?
Collect them and donate them to a group of your choice.
34. Keep
an eye on next year's dates
It's almost time to toss out the 2005 calendar. Why not buy your 2006
calendar from your favourite community
group? Many local community groups are now producing calendars as
fundraisers, and you can then mark in the dates of the group's
fundraising events during the year. If you live in regional Australia
there's a fair chance there's a nude fundraising calendar floating
around with Great Aunt Maude in (not quite) all her glory.
35. Clean
up with a community tea-towel
Many pre-schools, schools and kindergartens sell tea-towels decorated with the children's art as a
fundraiser. Why not buy one from your child's school or support your
friends by buying one? It lasts longer than chocolate.
36. Don't
waste water - wait for a community car wash
With the drought or the after-affects (where it's broken) still
affecting many communities around Australia, water is an increasingly
precious commodity. So if you need to clean your car for Christmas,
why not wait until you see a community group car wash?
37. Make
your spare change work for the community
Give some spare change (or more, if you can afford it) to those buskers and Christmas carolers at your local
shopping centre who are raising money for a community group or cause.
38.
Christmas online
Offer to buy your favourite community group an Internet
domain name for Christmas - they're surprisingly cheap! (Make sure
you speak to the group beforehand, though.)
39.
Donate blood
You can give a gift that is more precious than money - your blood. The
Red Cross is always looking for blood donors and Christmas and the New
Year holiday period is no exception. Giving blood is safe and easy.
See www.arcbs.redcross.org.au
for all the details on what you need to do and - importantly - the
locations and time when you can donate.
40.
Register as an organ donor
Go a step further and make this Christmas the time to sign up for organ
donations. Each year thousands of Australians wait for the gift of life.
By signing up you can ensure that if you die, your organs will help
someone else to live a full life. To join the Australian Organ Donor
Registry phone 1800 777 203 or visit the Health Insurance
Commission website at www.hic.gov.au/organ - and if you want to promote
the practice more widely, support the David
Hookes Foundation.
41.
Join a community group
Don't just be a supporter -- make it your New Year's resolution to
become a member of your local community groups. While community groups
are certainly very grateful for donations, many survive on the annual
subscriptions from dedicated members. You can also reap the health
benefits of becoming more connected to your community. Search through
one of the thousands of groups on the Our Community directory of
organisations at www.ourcommunity.com.au/directory
42.
Renew your memberships
If you are already a member of a local community group, find out when
your fees are due and renew your membership to ensure your group
doesn't have to waste its resources chasing you up. And money in the
bank early can help with cash flow.
43.
Give goods to help a local community group
Donations don't have to be financial. You can give away goods and
services instead. You could support a Christmas sausage sizzle by
donating your home-made tomato sauce or a dozen loaves of bread, give
the use of your tarp for the school building project - the
options are endless.
44.
Donate your expertise to make a difference
Consider whether you or your business could provide pro bono assistance
to a community group. It may be legal advice, accounting, auditing,
marketing, public relations or IT knowledge - or landscaping,
carpentry or bricklaying skills - whatever your
professional or trade skills, chances are a community group needs
them. Join a board by visiting the Board Matching service at
www.ourcommunity.com.au/board-match or sites such as www.goodcompany.com.au
or www.govolunteer.com.au
to find a suitable group or position.
45. Don't
throw coupons away - save them for a local group
Shopping centres or newspapers often run promotions asking readers to
collect coupons that they can cash in for items such as books, computers
or cash for schools or community groups. If you are not involved in a
group yourself, you can still cut out the coupons from your paper and
give them to a local group to help them meet their target faster. Or
ask friends at work if their group is collecting them.
46. Cook
up a storm in the community
If you make your own Christmas cakes or other Christmas goodies, make some extras and donate
them to a community group to sell or use for their upcoming Christmas
party (PLEASE do check on local food handling and labelling
regulations, though). .
47. Drop
in a present or set up a Christmas tree at your office and ask for
presents
Companies like Kmart have been running the Wishing Tree for some years, and the ABC has also
set up Giving Trees to promote giving. Follow
their example and do the same thing in your workplace. Find an
organisation in your area who could benefit.
48.
Sign a friend up
Sign up a friend as a member of an appropriate community group as a
Christmas present. Pick a group you know they will benefit from or a
cause they already support. It not only saves them money but provides an
ongoing connection to a community organisation.
49.
Stop talking. Make it happen
Get a group together (perhaps with your colleagues) and do something
practical for a local community group. Don't just tell them what you
will do but ask the organisation how they could best use your skills.
Apart from the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile, making a
valuable contribution to your community is a great exercise in boosting
office morale and team spirit. Check out your options at http://www.govolunteer.com.au/volunteer/default.htm.
50. Ask
guests to donate a gift rather than a bottle
If you're holding a Christmas party at home or at work, ask guests to
bring a gift that you can donate to a local community group or put
under a giving tree to be distributed to disadvantaged people in your
area.
51. Get
the family involved
Volunteering as a family is a great way to help out
and bring your family together. Decide together which group you would
like to support to ensure everyone is ready to put their heart into
the task. Remember that
52. Get
the kids involved
Encourage your children to think about the community groups that make a
difference in their lives by donating a few coins, or by doing a few
jobs around the house in exchange for a donation to a group.
53. Give
as you buy
Organise a group to go on a pre-Christmas fundraising shopping tour to
warehouses and factory outlets, charge people to take part, and donate
the profits to a local community group.
54.Organise
a goods drive
If you have access to a ute or truck, ask
your friends and colleagues to go through their sheds and spare rooms
and look for items in good nick that could be donated. You can stage
your own hard rubbish collection (well, no not rubbish but remember,
your (good) trash can be someone else's treasure), picking the goods
up and dropping them off at an op-shop or taking them to community
groups that need them.
55. Forgo
the hamper
Many workplaces give hampers or Christmas bonuses at this time of
year. Lead by example by requesting the money spent on your hamper be
given instead to a community group. Donate a portion of your bonus to
the group. Others might well follow your example!
56. Go
for the hamper
If you decide your company does want to give a hamper (or hampers) then
get one that has a not-for-profit payoff. For
example, Volunteering
57. Put
your old Christmas decorations to good use
Rally your workmates or friends together to help decorate a local
shelter, refuge or community centre. Make a few phone calls to see who
needs a hand, and if they need to you to bring your own decorations.
Maybe you could get your children to make some for you to hang up.
58. Do
you have a celebrity friend?
If you have access to celebrities or friends who are in the public eye,
ask them to put their pen to work by signing some memorabilia that can
be donated to a group to raise money. They could even volunteer to
attend the group's Christmas fundraiser to lend some glamour to the
event and encourage others to come along.
59.
Volunteer your time to help a community group
Every group needs people to help type letters, answer phones and do
countless other jobs like filing and photocopying. For hundreds of
volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.govolunteer.com.au/volunteer/default.htm.
60.
Volunteer to help deliver presents
There are a number of groups such as the Salvation Army who are always on the lookout for
volunteers to help deliver hampers and boxes of Christmas toys. See
first-hand the joy that giving really does bring to people. But
remember that groups need volunteers 365 days a year - not just for one.
61. Lend
a hand at a Christmas party
Is your community group holding a Christmas party? You can help
organise it or help out on the day (could you fit into that Santa
suit?).
62. Lend
your creativity
Volunteer to help decorate a local hospital, nursing home or seniors'
club. It's a great way to help out and get to know the staff and/or
residents at the same time.
63. Join
a Board or Committee
Consider becoming a Board member of a community group that you are
involved in and have a say on how the group runs and what it does. You
can make a lasting contribution and make a difference by becoming
actively involved in something you are truly passionate about. Try the
Board matching service at www.ourcommunity.com.au/board-match
64. Be a
mentor
Pass on your expertise and knowledge to a young community leader. It
gives them the chance to bounce ideas off someone with experience and
ensures your expertise has double the impact.
65. Check
to see if your elderly neighbours need
some help
Or even closer to home, if you have elderly friends or neighbours who are house-bound or struggle to get
out, offer to help them with their shopping or other errands.
66.
Become a tutor
Your knowledge and skills can teach others how to do any number of
important jobs, from using computers to managing a budget or growing a
successful vegetable garden. Volunteer home tutors help newly arrived
migrants learn English and assist people who are hearing impaired.
Check at local community or migrant centres to see how you can help.
67.
Provide a break for a carer
If you have a friend or neighbour who is a
full-time carer, offer to step in and help for a couple of hours so they
can get out and do a bit of shopping or just have a break.
68.
Consider virtual volunteering
If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some
organisations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work online.
This might take the form of giving free legal advice, typing an essay
for a person with a disability, or simply keeping in contact with
someone who needs a friend. Virtual volunteering can be a way for you
to help if you have limited time or mobility or if you simply enjoy
computers and want to employ your computer skills in your volunteer work.
69.
Volunteer for Christmas lunch
Not everybody has the chance for a big Christmas lunch with family. If
you are looking at being home on your own why not volunteer to help
prepare and serve lunch at one of the many events held to offer a good
meal, good company and good wishes to disadvantaged or homeless people
in your area on Christmas Day.
70. Play
Santa - help to sponsor or organise a special day for children
Special Children's Christmas Parties are held in many locations for
children who have disabilities or are disadvantaged and might otherwise
miss out on Christmas festivities. These big events need sponsors to
help out on the day and to help plan - find out if there is one near
you and offer your time.
71.
From a small seed, a large tree grows.
Get involved with a tree planting or re-growth project in your area.
There are hundreds of Landcare groups, Friends-of-parks groups and
environmental organisations that are always looking for a pair of
willing hands to plant new trees. Visit http://www.landcareaustralia.com.au/. Check
out the Directory of Organisations on www.ourcommunity.com.au
for a group in your area or check with your local council.
72. Set
free your creativity
Buy some sticky tape, learn how to make ribbons curl and offer your
services as a gift wrapper, with a donation for every present wrapped.
73.
Support crisis and help lines
Crisis telephone lines need volunteer counsellors
to answer phones and, unfortunately, Christmas can be a time of high
demand. Find out about the help lines in your area and offer to
undertake the training required to staff the lines for next Christmas.
74. Lend
an ear
For many people, Christmas is a stressful time or a time when they are
reminded of their loneliness. Sometimes the biggest difference you can
make is to sit down and talk to a person who is in need of some
conversation and support.
75. Be a
tour guide
Some groups - historical societies, film groups, heritage groups, etc -
have opportunities for people to help introduce others to their services
or resources by leading tours. You can learn about their organisation
and help others to learn about it too.
76. Raise
a seeing eye dog
Puppies are placed in homes at eight weeks of age, where they are
taught basic obedience. At 12 months they return to the kennels to
begin their formal training. It can be very rewarding to see the joy
and independence a seeing eye dog can give a blind person. Visit
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia at http://www.seda.com.au/.
77. Make
a toy or gift with your own hands
There's nothing quite so special as a
homemade gift. Why not make a toy or gift and donate it to a community
group that can give it to a child at Christmas or sell it to raise
funds? If you are good at sewing, you can exercise your creativity and
share your talent by making an item of clothing and donating it to an
op-shop or to a community group stall or fete.
78.
Petrolheads and Eggheads
There's a long tradition of Australian bikers doing toy runs,
collecting presents to be distributed through the Salvation Army. The
website www.toyrun.org.au
now lists 48 separate Toy Runs in all states and boasts that 100,000
Australians will hit the road in 2005, so if you have a Harley-Davidson
Hog in the carport then this is the moment to get festive. Similarly,
street machine buffs - those fanatics spending hundreds of hours and
thousands of dollars making their cars into works of art - are now
taking up the idea (see www.smasa.com.au). For the more cerebral end of
the spectrum, ABC shops and ABC local radio are running a competition
where the prize is two copies of everything in the ABC shop Christmas
Catalogue - one for you and one for your favourite charity. That would
cover all your Christmas present needs nicely. Bags I the new Kath &
Kim.
79. Help
with the Christmas Cards
Volunteer to help your local community group put together hand-written
holiday cards to everyone who's helped the organisation over the year -
not only the Board and the donors and volunteers, but the technician
who fixed the hard drive when it crashed and the Foundation secretary
who let the group put its submission in after the closing date, and so
on. Hand-written notes are a great way of saying thanks and establishing
good will for your group.
80. Help
a community group with a grants submission
Many groups struggle to put together funding proposals and submissions.
If you have experience putting together submissions or writing project
plans, offer to write grant applications for your local community
group or to review them before they are sent off to the funder.
Think twice before you dispose of things that are still in good
working order. Is there a community group that could benefit from
using the goods - or could they sell them at their next trash and
treasure stall? Or, for that matter, could you sell them and donate
the proceeds?
81. Drop
your unwanted (but still okay) clothes in a donation bin
Use your time off over Christmas to go through your wardrobe and get
rid of the things you no longer need. Clothing donation bins can be
found outside many churches, conveniences stores and shopping centres.
82. Clear
out the cupboards and see if your trash could be someone's treasure
If you are feeling even more energetic, why not go through all of your
cupboards and drawers and see what extras you have that could be given
away - saleable items can include everything from curtains to
canisters, garlic crushers to silver spoons. Giving to an op-shop
allows you to give twice - firstly to the charity that makes money
from selling your goods and then to the person who can buy the goods
at a low price.
83.
Donate your old computer to a good cause
Treating yourself or the kids to a new computer this Christmas? There
are organisations that will take your old PCs, refurbish them and
distribute them to disadvantaged schools, families and community groups.
Even if your computer has had it, many of the components can often still
be recycled. Visit Green PC (http://www.greenpc.com.au/) or the Australian
Giving Centre (http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving) for more
information.
84. Find
a good use for Aunty Esther's presents
Everyone has unused or unopened presents that just sit in a cupboard.
Instead of letting them gather dust, why not donate them to a community
group to use as a prize in a raffle, auction or fundraiser - or to
sell in white elephant stall.
85. Give
the gift of music
Go through your old record, tape and CD collections and donate anything
you don't listen to anymore to one of your local community groups or
op-shop. Amazingly, there are still people out there who think Bucks Fizz
was a superband and that Jim Nabors was more Elvis than Gomer Pyle! And even a few who still can't see exactly what was the matter with Joe Dolce's Number One hit.
86.
Donate your old printer cartridges
You can actually get money for your old computer printer cartridges and
ribbons and a number of schools and community groups are now collecting
old ones to raise funds. Either donate the
cartridges to the groups themselves or get the refund and donate that.
87. Trade
in the treadly and give your old one away
If you're buying a new bike, don't throw out the old one, give it to an
organisation that repairs bikes and donates them to disadvantaged
children or sells them cheaply. Type "donate bikes" into an internet
search engine to find a group nearby.
88. Clean
out your bookshelves
Book stalls are a staple of any community fete. Some groups collect
books year-round to stockpile for a big annual sale. If you don't know
of a group that is collecting books, there are plenty of op-shops that
will be happy for your donation.
89.
Donate your old mobile phone
Sick of that tired old ring tone? If you're buying or receiving a new
mobile this Christmas, you can give the old one to a community group.
Visit www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving and see where you
can donate your phone. Some community groups use donated mobiles to
keep in touch with volunteers or people they are helping; a job program
in northern Australia used donated phones to lend to unemployed people
to help make them contactable to prospective employees. You could even
pay to get the phone set up on a pre-paid plan.
90.
Recycle your garbage
Many people use the Christmas holidays to carry out some much needed
maintenance around the house. Don't dump off-cut materials such as
timber, wire, vinyl or fabrics - never forget that your trash can be
another person's treasure! Check with local schools, artistic groups
or other community groups if they can be put to use.
91.
Re-use your cards
Donate used Christmas cards to a school or a kindergarten to use in
their artwork or drop them in to a Planet Ark recycling bin to be made
into toilet paper or cardboard packaging.
92. Grant
a wish
Some groups have a wish list of equipment or goods they would buy if
they had the money. Check in your back shed to see if you have a wish
item. If your local group doesn't have a wish list, why not help them
create one!
93.
Pass on your excess supplies to help out
Does your business have excess office supplies, furniture, advertising
space or transport that it could give to a community group? You might
even have a spare desk and a telephone that a local organisation could
put to use. If you don't know of a group to give these things to,
check to see if your favourite group has a
wish list.
94.
Sponsor a local community event
If your business is in a position to do so, why not sponsor an event
held by a community group in your local area? It doesn't have to be a
major event but it will help build a relationship with your local
community (and local customers).
95. Give
your tickets away
If your business already sponsors an event that involves getting free
tickets to a show or sporting event, why not ask the Committee or Board
to consider donating some of their usual allocation to a community
group to either raffle or auction as a fundraiser, or to reward some
of their clients or hard-working volunteers with a much-needed outing.
96.
Donate money on behalf of your clients or customers
If your business normally sends something out to thank your valued
clients, customers or employees for their support during the year why
not do something different this year and make a donation to a local
community group on their behalf.
97. Give
donations for Secret Santa
Many workplaces organise a Secret Santa or Kris Kringle
to exchange Christmas gifts. Rather than buying gifts, why not make your
gifts instead and donate the money you would have spent to a community Christmas appeal. Alternatively, instead
of buying a $5 or $10 gift, ask everyone to nominate their favourite community group and give the money to
their chosen group.
98. Tempt
your workmates
Everyone needs some extra goodies for the pantry at Christmas time -
and a chocolate drive is an easy way to raise money for a community
group. Everyone needs some extra goodies for the pantry at Christmas
time - and a chocolate drive is an easy way to raise money for a
community group.
99. Put
the bite on your boss
Ask your employer if they will provide a matching gift for whatever
your workplace can raise in a special Christmas fundraising effort for a
community group. Consult your colleagues to select a group everyone
supports.
100. Set
up a Christmas tree at your workplace
Set up a Christmas giving tree at your workplace and ask colleagues to
bring gifts to put under the tree. Find a community group or charity
that distributes presents to underprivileged children and give them the
gifts before Christmas. Maybe you could help hand them out so you can
see your efforts at work.
101.
Fancy yourself as a sales guru? Hold a charity auction
Make an added attraction for your office Christmas party by finding
companies who will donate items for an auction - if you can get
celebrities or sportspeople to sign items, all the better. Donate the
proceeds to a nominated charity or community group.
102. When
opportunity comes knocking
If your company is having a fancy dress or "themed" Christmas party,
why not buy your outfit or some clothing accessories from a community
opportunity shop? By supporting the op-shop you are also helping to
support needy people in the community.
103. Set
up a fines system at work (Anyone who thinks the old Christmas
photocopier trick is still funny pays $20!)
Imagine how much you could raise if you set
a fines system in the workplace. Just how much should the boss pay for
reeling out all the old jokes? And no fine is too high for anyone who
heads towards the photocopier late in the night.
104.
Don't be a spectator - get involved!
Many people use the services of, or are even members of, community
groups that they don't really know that much about. Why not make a New
Year's resolution to get to know what they do, and find out what you can
do to support them better?
105. Get
involved in Christmas - don't watch it pass by
Don't stay at home. Get involved in your community's local Christmas
activities, whether that involves singing (or listening to) carols,
attending a fair or a function, or taking part in a community
get-together.
106. Take
in the view of the Christmas Lights
More and more people are getting into the Christmas spirit by
decorating their homes with Christmas lights - some local councils
even hold competitions for the best displays. Take your kids (or
yourself!) to check out the lights in your local area. It's a great
way to meet the neighbours. Some
particularly well-decorated places also collect coin donations for their favourite community groups.
107.
Attend Carols by Candlelight
Attend either the major Carols event in your capital city or one of the
many thousands of events scattered around the country. Make sure you
take your family and encourage friends and neighbours
to go too.
108.
Better still, help to organise Carols by Candlelight
You could offer to be on the organising
committee or help out on the night. Maybe you could type up song books,
help set up the stage or audio equipment or hand out candles to people
as they arrive. Or you could show up the next morning to assist in the
clean-up operation.
109.
Attend a local Christmas concert
Many schools and community groups hold concerts at this time of year
and you can lend your support by going along and clapping loudly. You
could also offer to help make costumes or sell tickets.
110.
Talk to your neighbours
Christmas is a great time to make connections and talk to your
neighbours. If you don't know them very well, "What are you doing for
Christmas?" is an easy way to start a conversation. If you're nervous
about approaching people one on one, why not organise a Christmas street
party? There are now online kits such as the one at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/streetlife.html.
111.
Think outside the square
Make an effort to learn about other people in your community. While
people with other cultural, religious or ethnic backgrounds might not
celebrate Christmas, that's no need to leave them out of the festive
season altogether!
Different Christian cultures and ethnicities, too, celebrate Christmas
in different ways. You can find out about Christmas traditions in
other cultures by collecting recipes for a multicultural Christmas
cook book to raise money for a local community group.
112. Act
local!
Have a look at your local government or tourist association's
listing of Christmas charity events, the South Burnett's website, for
example (http://southburnett.com.au/tourism/festivals/xmas/).
If your local council doesn't have one, it's worth asking why not?
113. Have
a day out
Enjoy the summer and the extra time with your family and friends by organising a day in the park or at the beach -
and pick up the rubbish while you're there!
114. Open
your house
Many people find themselves on their own during Christmas. Why not
invite someone over to share your Christmas lunch or dinner - it will
cost you no more than an extra spud in the roasting dish but can mean
much more to someone who may otherwise have spent Christmas alone.
115.
Hold drinks for your hard-working community group volunteers
Offer to hold a dinner, drinks or Christmas party for your local
community group to thank volunteers or staff or to provide a
get-together for major supporters or donors. It could also help to ease
the strain on the group's budget.
116.
Expand your mailing list
When doing your annual Christmas card mail-out, think about all the
groups who have made a difference to your life this year and send them
one too. Acknowledgement can make a huge difference to the morale of a
community group.
117.
Encourage others to say thanks too
Ask your children to make their own special Christmas cards and post
them to community groups thanking them for their help during the past
12 months.
118.
Spread the word
If you have enjoyed the support, encouragement or assistance of a local
community group - or just think they have done a super job - why not
let others in the community know? Send a letter to local politicians, councillors and media to let everyone know how
important the group is.
119.
Write a letter to your friends and family
Now is as good a time as any to make contact with friends and
family members who you haven't seen for a while. Drop someone a quick
line to let them know you are thinking of them.
120.
Support the cause
Community groups don't just need your time, your goods or your money -
they need your support. You can support the campaigns being carried out
by community groups by telling your friends, signing their petitions and
responding to their requests for help in advocating for their cause.
121.
Email this list to your friends and family, or to your boss!
Email this list to your friends or family, and ask your employer to
post it on the office noticeboard or work intranet as a way of
encouraging people to think of their local communities at this time of
year. Print it out and put it on your wall at home.
122.
Organise a meeting at work or school and discuss how you can make a
difference in your local community this Christmas.
This is by no means a full listing of the ways you can help. It's
really no more than a starting point designed to get people thinking
about their own communities. Even devoting 15 minutes to a discussion
on what you can collectively do to help can make a major difference.
123. Use
your genius for good
We've had our go - now it's your turn! Think of some new ways to help
local community groups, and let us know by emailing brianw@ourcommunity.com.au
. We'll add them to the list for 2006.
124.
Set the endorphins free.
Exercise makes people feel good, and so too does doing
a good deed for others. Whatever benefit you provide others
through taking up one of these ideas, it
will be mirrored by the feeling of joy you receive.
125.
Smile.
Smile!
1) It's good for you, and
(2) if you do even one of the things listed here, you've made a
difference.
And remember, you can search for an online appeal for a community group
you support at the Australian Giving Centre at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations
or to find a group to get in touch with try the community directory at http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/directory.
Media representatives wanting to
publish this list in part or full can do so --
as long as the copy or graphic contains a credit line saying the list
was compiled by www.ourcommunity.com.au.
Please contact Brian Walsh on (03)
9320 6813 or by email at brianw@ourcommunity.com.au
