Before i proceed to say things that may appear nasty to some, let me start off by saying that I think being involved in a charity is heart-warming. It gives you a sense of pride, belonging and accomplishment to be able to put in a smile in someone's day. Personally, I am a co-chairman of Sincere Hearts, a mini-foundation my best friend, Ekta Melwani and I set up together to help out the needy. By God's grace and support from local donators, we are standing rock solid with good funds and donations for our orphanages and old folks' home visits.
I am also extremely happy to see a lot of people being involved in charity. I must take a moment to applaud Care and Share, brought to my attention by my dear friend, Gita Sangtani, which also conducts visits and encourages donations.They recently worked together with freelance bakers in a Bake Sale, which ran successfully and raised good money to help those in need. Take a bow, guys :)
That being said, I have noticed a lot of people joining well-reputed charity groups with a half-heart. What I mean is, they join your visits, snaps for pictures, uploads them on social medias and wait for compliments such as "How nice of you to spare a sunday for the old folks". When it comes to behind-the-screens, such as packing, planning, organising, they are nowhere to be found.
Sometimes, people mislead the terms "charity" or "help" as a must of shelling out their resources. I think it is to the world's knowledge that everyone's resources are limited differently. while some may afford to spare a huge amount, some of us may be able to spare just a little bit of energy. You know that, that is perfectly all right! If you have limited resources, donate your time and energy, instead of smiling prettily and hashtagging #charity #sundayfunday #oldfolks #theartofgiving #tiredbuthappy #worthwhile without doing much of what is truly required. cape deh.
Another factor is the not-so-much-as-art of giving out old and used items. I once received a bag full of "good quality used toys" and yet when I opened the bag, it was full of broken toys, smelly dusty soft toys, old utensils and what not. I had to throw them out immediately. Well, excuse me, just because the people at the orphanages dont have much, it does not mean that we can give them crap! How? How do these people even think? do they say things like "This is broken so we cant use it, give em away, they'll probably be happy with a piece of wood that looks like nothing" ???
A wooden chopstick. Just one of it, not even a pair. Thats one of the crap I found. Like, seriously?
Torn clothes. Why would they wear clothes with broken, non-repairable zippers? Or clothes with no buttons anymore. Do you expect us to sit and sew your old trash? They can do so much better and you know it.
We create these charity groups because we have the time. Some of you may have all the money in the world but unable to provide time, so we can help you out with that. If you give us crap for donations, we treat you like crap too and have the right to refuse your "donations" in the future.
Not that we are not thankful. We would stand nowhere without your financial and non-financial help. they have helped us get through so many people and you are also responsible for their smiling faces. But, if you wish to do something, you have to do it with a full heart.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment