Ali Raza
Ali Raza

20 Ways of Charity: A Comprehensive Guide on Giving

10 min read

Ways of charity

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In Pakistan, the spirit of giving is extraordinary!

According to the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, Pakistanis generously contribute over PKR 240 billion (more than $2 billion) each year.

There are numerous ways to make a difference, from volunteering time and skills to donating goods or raising awareness. 

Let's explore the diverse and creative ways you can contribute to the charity of your choice.

1. Donate Money

Donating money is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to contribute to charitable causes. By offering various ways of raising money for charity, you help charities address critical needs and fund impactful programs. This financial support enables them to broaden their reach and assist more people.

2. Donate Blood

Donating blood is a life-saving act that directly benefits others. As one of the most vital forms of charity, it can save lives and improve the health of others. Blood donations are used for a variety of critical medical needs. These needs range from emergency surgeries and trauma care to treating patients with chronic illnesses like anemia and cancer.

3. Teach Your Kids About Giving

Teaching your kids about giving is a valuable lesson that fosters empathy and compassion. When children learn the importance of sharing and helping others, they develop a sense of responsibility towards their community and the world. 

Abdur Sattar Edhi

A story that perfectly describes this point is that of Abdur Sattar Edhi, one of the world's most renowned philanthropists. His mother played a crucial role in shaping his outlook on giving and helping others. 

When he was a child, his mother would give him two coins each day: one for his personal use and the other to give to someone in need. This simple yet profound practice ingrained in him the belief that sharing what you have, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in someone's life.

4. Support a Toy Box Scheme

Supporting a toy box scheme is an effective way to bring joy to children who might not have many toys. By buying an extra toy and donating it to orphanage organizations like Pakistan Sweet Home, you can brighten a child's day. This simple act can make them feel special and valued.

Toy box schemes collect toys and distribute them to children in need, providing them with moments of happiness and opportunities for play. You can get involved by purchasing a new toy while shopping or donating a gently used one. 

5. Think Global on International Human Solidarity Day

International Human Solidarity Day

Every 20th December, the United Nations General Assembly celebrates International Human Solidarity Day. It reminds us of the importance of unity and collective action worldwide. This day encourages people to think about how they can support one another, regardless of where they live.

To honor this day, consider donating to an overseas charity. Supporting international causes is a way to make a positive impact beyond our borders, helping those in need and fostering global solidarity. 

6. Throw an Office Party for Charity

Hosting an office party for charity is a fun and effective way to promote philanthropy in the workplace while building team spirit. By organizing a party with a charitable twist, you can bring colleagues together for a good cause. 

Consider selecting a theme that aligns with a specific cause and encouraging everyone to participate by contributing in some way. You can hold raffles, auctions, or games with proceeds going to charity or have employees bring in items for a charity drive, like food, clothes, or toys. 

7. Donate Retirement Plan Assets

Donating retirement plan assets means giving part of your retirement savings to help others. Instead of keeping all your retirement money for yourself, you can share some with charities. This helps people who need support, like those who are sick, poor, or in trouble. 

8. Donate Supplies or Gently Used Items

Local organizations often require supplies like food and clothing to support the people they serve. By donating gently used items or other supplies, you help these organizations continue their essential work in the community. This kind of giving promotes sustainability by extending the life of items that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Consider going through your closet or storage to find items in good condition that you no longer need. Things like coats, shoes, canned goods etc make a big difference to local charities, shelters, or food banks. 

9. Donate Your Birthday

"Donate Your Birthday" is a simple and inspiring way to give back to others. You can celebrate your birthday by visiting a charity, bringing joy to those who don't have much. This thoughtful gesture not only brings happiness to others but also creates lasting memories. 

Instead of asking for gifts, you can encourage your friends and family to find various ways to donate charity.

But how can you do that?

You can set up a fundraising page online or use social media to share your birthday wish with your friends. Tell them why you are donating your birthday and encourage them to contribute.

10. Leave a Bequest to Charity in Your Will

Leaving a bequest to charity in your will is a meaningful way to continue making a difference even after you're gone. It can include a set amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets like property or stocks.

Charles Francis Feeney

Chuck Feeney, the American businessman who passed away in 2023, exemplified this approach. He set a remarkable goal to give away his entire multi-billion-dollar fortune while he was still alive. 

Through the private foundation of Feeney, the Atlantic Philanthropies, he donated nearly $9 billion (£7 billion) worldwide. This included $570 million (£447 million) given to causes in Northern Ireland over four decades.

Note: If you're interested in leaving a bequest, it's crucial to discuss your plans with a legal advisor. It ensures your wishes are properly documented. 

11. Check on Neighbors and Family Members

Checking on neighbors and family members is a simple yet powerful way to practice charity. By reaching out to those around you, you can make sure they are okay and offer help if needed. 

Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call, a text, or a quick visit to brighten someone's day or to find out if they need assistance. You can also bring them groceries, help with household chores, or just spend time with them. 

12. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is about growing as a person and finding fulfillment in the process. Instead of money or goods, you offer your skills, energy, and time to help others. You can volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or senior center or participate in community clean-ups. 

Whether you have a few hours a week or a whole day to give, every bit helps and makes a difference. 

13. Donate Your Skills

Donating your skills means sharing what you're good at to help others. Whether you're good at fixing things, teaching, or making art, your skills can make a big difference. You can offer to teach someone something new, help fix things for people who can't do it themselves, or use your artistic talents to brighten someone's day. 

Dr Ruth Pfau

A remarkable example of skill-based charity is Dr. Ruth Pfau, often called "Pakistan's Mother Teresa." Dr. Pfau dedicated her life to treating leprosy patients in Pakistan.

She provided treatment to thousands of patients who otherwise would have had no access to care. Her work transformed countless lives and reduced the stigma around leprosy.

14. Donate Your Car

Donating your car can be a powerful way to support charity, providing much-needed resources to organizations that create a positive impact. 

Since 1997, 

Pakistan’s Edhi Foundation proudly holds the Record for the

World's Largest Volunteer Ambulance Service

Take the example of charity in everyday life of Edhi Foundation in Pakistan. It operates the world's largest fleet of ambulances, offering emergency services and healthcare to countless people in need. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the generosity of donors who contributed to Edhi's mission.

Ali Banat

Let's take the story of Ali Banat, an Australian entrepreneur, as one of great examples of charitable activities. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he turned his life toward charity work.

One of his significant donations included his prized Ferrari Spider, valued at £339,000 (or around $600,000 AUD), to support causes such as building schools, hospitals, and orphanages in places like Togo. 

15. Support Local Businesses, Schools, and Child Care Centers

Supporting local businesses, schools, and child care centers is a great way to practice charity within your own community. When you shop at local businesses, you help keep money circulating in the area, supporting jobs and the local economy. This can have a positive impact on families and the quality of life in your neighborhood.

16. Provide Support to Frontline Health Workers and First Responders

Providing support to frontline health workers and first responders is a crucial way to give back. These are the people who work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy, especially in times of crisis or emergency. They include doctors, nurses, paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, among others.

You can show your appreciation and offer support in various ways. Consider different ways of donating to charity organizations that provide equipment, meals, or mental health services for these workers.

You can also write thank-you notes, send care packages, or organize community events to honor their hard work. 

17. Join a Giving Circle

Joining a giving circle is a fun and effective way to experience the benefit of charity while making a difference in your community. A giving circle is a group of people who pool their money together to support a specific cause or charity. The idea is simple: by joining forces, you can create a bigger impact than you could on your own.

18. Encourage Others to Give

When you inspire people around you to donate, volunteer, or support a cause, you're helping to create a ripple effect of kindness. 

You can start by sharing your own experiences with different ways of fundraising for charity and explaining why it's meaningful to you. Talk about the difference it makes, whether it's helping a local food bank, supporting animal shelters, or aiding disaster relief. 

Another way to encourage others is to organize a group activity, like a charity walk or a donation drive, and invite friends and family to join. When you lead by example and motivate others to take action, turning individual acts of kindness into a collective force for good.

19. Give Items to Thrift Stores or Food Pantries

Giving to thrift stores and food pantries is an easy way to help others and make your community stronger. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to declutter your home while contributing to a good cause.

By donating non-perishable food items like canned goods, pasta, or rice, you help ensure that families facing food insecurity have enough to eat. This kind of support can make a huge difference to those who rely on food pantries to put meals on the table.

20. Use Your Social Network to Speak Out!

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram give you the chance to reach a wide audience and share important messages. Through these platforms, you can raise awareness of ways to help charities from home or from anywhere and inspire others to get involved.

Sharing stories, photos, or videos of your own charity work can also motivate others to take action. In this way, you can use your social network to make a positive difference and promote the causes that matter to you.

In conclusion, exploring different ways of charity reveals a multitude of opportunities to make a positive impact. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness, every action contributes to a better world. By embracing the spirit of giving, you can be a force for good and inspire others to join the cause.

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Ali Raza

WRITTEN BY

Ali Raza (Charity and Philanthropy)

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.

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