5 Ways To Act When Helping Out Vulnerable Young People As A Volunteer

Charity is such a big deal because without it people would have even less help than they do now. In fact, they would have nothing and do you have any idea how hard it is to survive with nothing? Some people decide they want to give back to the world in their own special way so they volunteer at their local church. Perhaps they want to work with vulnerable young people and help shape their lives in a positive way, but it’s not a job for just anyone.

When you work with vulnerable young people who are not your own flesh and blood it’s a lot different to looking after your own child. There are certain things you can’t do and say because you are a stranger. You might smack your child when they misbehave, but if you start hitting kids at church you will end up in jail. Let’s go over a few of the ways you should look after them properly and you can start changing their life in a much more positive way starting from now.

Treat them with respect

Respect, Yo

Sometimes when you look after people it’s all too easy to forget to treat someone with respect. You get all caught up in the fact you’re doing charity work and you think of the people you’re meant to be helping as these scared little people who are desperate for you to do everything for them. It’s not like this and treating someone like they are nothing is an easy way to hurt them. Even though they need your help you should treat them as a human being.

Don’t cross the line

Everyone likes to have a joke with people and you can do the same when working with kids, but you can’t let it get too far. When there is chemistry between two people you can joke with them and they will think the joke is fun. You don’t want to start making a fool of the wrong person even if it’s for a joke, because some people could take it the right way and others will just feel victimized. You’re better waiting until you really know someone before you start playing around.

No more negative

People in bad situations don’t like speaking about their past because it can make them feel upset. You are not a psychologist and you don’t have any certificates hanging on your wall, so that means you shouldn’t force anyone to open up about something you have no business knowing. If someone does want to speak to you about something then that is obviously an entirely different matter and you can do your best to listen to them and offer guidance.

Always be positive

People can sense when you’re not having fun and would rather be somewhere else. This isn’t a nice feeling to have because once again it makes people feel like a charity case when they think you are there out of some moral obligation rather than wanting to actually help them. It’s not hard to smile and you need to keep it stuck to your face. There might be bad things going on in your life and it takes a strong person to put their troubles in a box for a few hours while they’re helping others.

Don’t get angry with them

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There is a difference between being angry with someone and being strict. When someone misbehaves you can be strict and they will know they are doing something wrong. When you start getting really angry with someone they will also know they are doing something wrong, but they could also start thinking of you in a negative way. People who have had a hard life might cause some trouble, but it takes understanding rather than anger to change them.

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Dorothy Taylor is a very religious person and is always ready to help those in need. She has grouped with her friends and relatives, and they donate a particular amount of money each year to all the churches in london ontario.

Money Saving Tips For New Parents

Having a child is probably the most expensive thing you’ll ever do – that, and buying a house anyway – so it’s important you make sure you can afford it. There are a number of ways you can make your money spread to the extra necessities of having a child.
Before your baby is born – as in, when you fall pregnant – it’s a good idea to set up a savings account with your bank in order to save any spare money that you have up until the baby is born. If you forget about this money until your baby is born then you can use it for unexpected expenses that you probably won’t have accounted for.
You’ll probably want to go running out to the shops as soon as you find out you’re pregnant to stock up on loads of baby gear. Don’t do this! You’ll end up being given a lot of things by family and friends so you should wait until closer to the due date and only buy the things that you really need. Remember to spend your money wisely too; avoid the baby gimmicks that are cute but completely useless and only buy the things you really need. Talking to friends that have children may help you here as you can find out the items that they found were essential and the things they never used.
Nappies are a hard one to get your head around, there are so many arguments that say that reusable nappies will save you a lot of money but disposable nappies are far more convenient – and you won’t get poo in your washing machine – this one is pretty much based on personal preference.
When it comes to feeding a baby, breast feeding is obviously going to save you a lot of money, however, it’s really down to what you feel comfortable with. When it’s time to move on to solid food, try making your own; all you need to do is cook and blend ‘normal’ food and then freeze it until you’re ready to use it.
Don’t turn down hand me downs from friends and family and don’t be afraid to tell them that you’ll take whatever they don’t want or need anymore; hand me downs will save you an awful lot on buying new clothes, and new born cots etc. so you can save the money that you don’t spend and put it towards your baby’s future.

Article written by Gemma Oliver on behalf of urgent cash loans company http://www.kwikcash.co.uk.

What You Should Teach Your Children About Saving

Saving is something many people around the globe struggle with. If you didn’t know how big of a problem this has become, consider the fact that according to Business Insider, the average debt per person in the United States in the year 2010 alone was almost $8,000. These numbers are showing no signs of slowing down and this is why it is so important that parents have ‘the money talk’ with their children from a young age. Many people grow up without the proper knowledge to keep their head above water.

Credit Cards are not the Enemy

Credit Card

While many people avoid credit cards as though they are the plague, they can actually be quite helpful; especially if you find yourself in a jam. A credit card is going to help your child as they reach adulthood to build up their credit and practice being responsible. Have them start with a card that has a small limit, such as $500 so they can experience first-hand what it’s like to keep up with payments. Explain to them how interest works and that (with some accounts), when you pay in full, no interest is applied. Make sure they understand how important it is to avoid late fees by paying at least the minimum amount required because this money can add up quickly.

If there is ever an option to make payments on something such as that new set of tires you purchased at Les Schwab, while many people will quickly do whatever they can to pay in full; sometimes payments are the better option. Not only can making payments help increase your credit score but it gives you some wiggle room in case your money is required elsewhere.

Allowances Teach Responsibility

Pocket Change

For very young children, an allowance is a great way to demonstrate the importance of working hard to purchase the things you want the most. In the beginning, kids may want to spend their money right away on the first thing they see. In time, however, they are going to experience what it’s like to want something and need to save up because they aren’t going to like the guilt that sometimes goes along with that instant gratification. Children are like sponges and if they witness you taking charge of your money and keeping up on bills, they are bound to follow suit.

It’s Okay to Enjoy Yourself

One thing that more parents should be teaching their children is that it’s okay to have fun. If you are literally saving every dime that you earn, you aren’t giving yourself a chance to truly enjoy life. Oftentimes, by setting too strict of rules, you are actually setting yourself up for failure because you feel so deprived that you are very likely to splurge unexpectedly. Determining needs versus wants is another big one many children were not taught, and this explains why so many adults are currently in debt up to their ears.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Thinking of the future can be a difficult concept for young children to take on but as they grow, money starts to mean more to them because they realize ‘if I save this much of my allowance for this many weeks, then I can go to the zoo with my friends and have enough money to get a snack’. Having goals in place is a great way to teach your children how to properly plan out and prepare for upcoming events, games or toys that they may be interested in.

Many adults these days struggle with shopping at the wrong times. If you are not properly prepared, this can mean purchasing items that you never needed in the first place. One of the most common times this happens is at the grocery store. If you don’t have a list with you or haven’t eaten, you are bound to go home with food that you don’t actually need. That money could have been used for other important things, such as bill, or on entertainment.

Money Does Not Buy You Happiness

This is something our society as  a whole does not properly portray and if more children grew up realizing that money is a separate entity from happiness; there probably wouldn’t be as much depression and desperation to be like the Jones’. Sure, you may want a bigger TV than the person next door, a faster car or a larger home but even if all of those wishes came true, you would still have the same underlying problems you do today. Life is too short to stress over money and when children are sent into the world as adults, if they are properly prepared for what is to come, they are going to have a much easier time being happy and staying happy.

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George Smith-Davies works in the finance sector and has a good knowledge of insurances. He says that you must have a look at a company’s background before you invest your money anywhere. For latest updates on insurance related matters, connect with him on Google+.

Why Charity Should Start At Home

Everyone wants to help someone else. Charity is part of human nature, and it is essential to any society. To help as many people as possible during one’s short lifetime, there are effective ways to organize charities. The most effective charities start at home.

The most effective charities begin in one’s own local community. There are plenty of ways to enact positive change in one’s local community, and here you can find a few of those ways.

1. Help the Elderly with Groceries

Perhaps you live next door to an elderly woman. A very affordable and fast way to help this woman would be to carry and put away her groceries. Buying groceries can be a huge pain for any elderly person. The elderly have chronic arthritis or weak bones, which makes it difficult to handle heavy groceries. An even nicer gesture would be to purchase the groceries for an elderly person without many financial resources.

2. Tutor Children After School For young adults

one way to give back to the local community is by tutoring children in elementary school. Tutoring children in a poor school district is one way to enact positive change in a poverty stricken area. The more educated children in poor areas are, the better chances they have for attending college and succeeding in life. By tutoring children only one or two hours a week, young adults can have a tremendous impact upon their communities.

3. Visit Nursing Homes

One of the greatest tragedies in any society is seeing the elderly people suffer in nursing homes. Some elderly people have no relatives, so they can grow quite lonely in a nursing home setting. By taking the time to visit these elderly people, one can make them feel like a part of the community. One can also alleviate any signs of depression they have.

4. Shovel Snow

Shovelling snow is another fast activity that greatly benefits the community. Perhaps you live next door to a single mother who is always working to provide for her children. A single mother can be stressed out and lack the energy to shovel snow in a harsh winter season. By shovelling a neighbor’s driveway, one will dramatically reduce the stress in that neighbor’s life.

5. Start a Charity

For the ambitious type, one may want to start his or her own charity. If you have always dreamed about giving back to your community in a particular way, then why not start now? Beginning a charity is an exciting adventure. You should research all of the tax benefits your organization can receive and consult with an attorney before creating a charity. Your charity should have a specific purpose and plan, so that you can be effective in the community. A few types of charities you may want to start are collecting books for low income children, providing baby-sitting services for free in a community, and providing baby clothes to young mothers.

These are five easy ways in which you can have a positive impact on your local community. When charity starts at home, it always yields great benefits for members of a community.

Tom writes for a number of businesses including DLPROG, based in Australlia. To learn more about their work, read their articles about Integrity In Leadership visit http://www.dlprog.org.

Technocharity- Raising Funds Through Technology


Donations are the lifeblood of any non-profit. It’s the constant dilemma of any charity, figuring out how to balance the energy you put into actually doing good with the effort you put into acquiring the donations that actually allow you to do that good.

Fortunately technology is giving us innovative new ways to raising funds for the charities. As well as allowing you to reach a wider audience, technology can also let you approach potential donors in new ways that avoid the negative reactions people often have towards “chuggers” and emotionally manipulative TV adverts.

For instance, across the world there are 1.2 billion smartphone owners. The trick is to find way to win over this young, tech-savvy audience on their own level.

Make donating easy

One of the easiest ways to get people to donate is to ask for their loose change. It’s a minor annoyance to them, it’s useful to you. It’s a win-win scenario. The trouble is that to do that you have to get charity workers, or at least collection tins at every location where somebody might be walking around with loose change. Until lately trying to get donations from people without asking after their loose change in person involved getting them to call you and spend minutes on the phone giving their details or going online to fill out extensive and annoying forms.

The trick is to turn everyday activities into opportunities to donate. A great example of this take a look at the Charity Miles app. The app works by getting its users to raise charity funds through the walking, running and cycling they do as part of their everyday routine.

It works by getting app users to choose from nine possible charities, and then the app keeps track the distance you run, walk or cycle, and this information is passed on to corporate sponsors who donate a certain amount of money per mile, so long as you share that activity on Facebook or Twitter.

Charities, users and corporate sponsors all win and it takes virtually no effort to set up.

Work with people who are creating great content

“Content is king” is one of those phrases that gets used so often when discussing online marketing that I believe you’re legally allowed to beat someone to death if they say it. However as annoying as it is reading that phrase over and over and over (and over) again, there is truth in it. More than “calls to action” or constantly trying to persuade people to Like or Friend your accounts, people will be drawn towards your sites if there is interesting and engaging content there that they want to see.

Ethioiaid is a good example of this. Content here doesn’t just mean great copy. The app uses amazing photography from Ethiopia, combined with a unique graphic novel for the iPad and a cinematic soundtrack that really draws you in. The app works twofold. The content educates users about the history and culture of Ethiopia and the issues the country is facing. It also generates an income by giving a quarter of all app sales to the charity.

Make a game of it

Gamification is a word that’s hot on the heels of “Content is king” for things people in social media need to shut up about, but games are a great way of engaging your audience, either driving them to find out more about your cause or even allowing you to crowd source large tasks that can be broken down into smaller component parts.

The ingeniously named iHobo app, for instance, takes the form of a sort of homeless teenage Tamigotchi.  The game was developed for the UK homeless charity, Depaul, and it presents users with the kinds of decisions homeless teenagers are met with every day, including decisions about food, shelter and support to keep off drugs and avoid illness. This educates the user, while also including a function that allows them to directly donate to the charity through the app.

Similarly, UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, helps to raise awareness of the problems faced by refugees by putting the user in the shoes of a refugee, asking them what they would do in a given situation. My Life As A Refugee takes you through various scenarios where you are forced to make life or death decisions against the clock. The app doesn’t back away from the terrible circumstances refugees face, and does an excellent job of building empathy with those who are in those situations for real.

Each of these apps does for charity jobs that would normally take a whole army of people with clipboards and change tins.

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Sam Wright is a freelance writer who always gives generously to charity.

Charity Begins At Home – Organisations That Care For The Elderly

Needing extra help and support is an unfortunate but inevitable part of aging. Those of us who are plagued by the vice of pride (amongst a couple of other small faults in our character) can often find it embarrassing to ask friends and family for assistance, seeing it a degrading action which causes us to feel devalued.

Whilst we may be aware that such feelings are foolish, changing them is virtually impossible. Learning to accept help when it is offered is hard enough; learning to ask for it is even harder.

Thankfully, charitable organisations exist to bridge this gap – offering assistance that, as it’s from an outside source, we often find easier to accept.

Plenty of organisations exist nowadays and provide the necessary support to people in their later years – and here are a few of my personal favourites, from independent fundraisers to larger non-profit organisations:

Age Concern

Understanding how charities are able to support and care for the elderly is essential for anyone approaching retirement and even those in their younger years should consider the role major organisations play in helping some of our most vulnerable people.

Age Concern is perhaps one of the biggest and most well known charities aimed at helping the elderly. They run numerous campaigns aimed at providing a better environment for older people to live in and offer training to give businesses and individuals the skills needed to help individuals of all ages.

Friends of the Elderly

Another great charity, these guys offer plenty of community support. Residential care homes are set up for those who would benefit from a more structured living arrangement with round-the-clock care whilst the charity also focuses on day clubs designed to improve the social interaction of those later in life.

One of their best services, and my personal favourite, is their ‘befriending’ service. This is run by a team of volunteers who man phone lines to provide a comforting and friendly ear to elderly people. We’ve all experienced feelings of loneliness and sometimes friends and family simply aren’t available to talk to due to other commitments or because they are, unfortunately, no longer alive. In these instances, knowing there is someone waiting on the other end of the phone can be a real comfort.

Whilst the phone service is available nationwide, the charity has begun to expand the service with ‘visiting friends’, which sees volunteers make home visits to elderly individuals, now operating in Surrey.

Stroke Rehabilitation Team

An award winning group who recently won an award for Community Nurse/Team of the Year at the Best of Health Awards ceremony in Portsmouth, these dedicated individuals are committed to offering community support to those who have suffered strokes.

Visiting sufferers, often on a daily basis, the team helps with the process of rehabilitation – with one success story seeing a gentleman left partially paralysed regain independence thanks to the fitting of a stairlift and continued support from carers.

This article has been written by Marie D Mylne

The New Social Activism – Simple Things You Can Do Every Day to Help the Lives of Others

It’s incredible to think that there is still social inequality today. Whether flying over to other countries, taking the train to other states, or even catching the bus home, you’ll notice that there can be a massive difference in the quality of people’s lives. It moves you to action…but how can a single person make a difference? Moreover, if you’re not in the top 1% of the wealthiest people in the country, you’ve got to hold down a job, so joining the Peace Corps or volunteering overseas might just be an unrealistic option for you. Fortunately, there are simple things that you can do everyday to help the lives of others – whether in other countries, states, or neighborhoods.

Give a little

See those people crowding around you when you get off the train and asking you for donations? Normally, you might avoid eye contact with them, or otherwise talk to them when the traffic light is red. If they support a great cause, however, why not consider giving them a little money? Think about it. If they ask you to donate, say, $120 a year to sponsor a child, that’s actually only $10 a month. Could you cut your spending back on $10 a month to make a significant improvement to the lives of others?

If your answer is still an adamant ‘no’, then consider throwing some loose change in collection tins as often as you can. You probably don’t need to buy that soft serve for 50c, after all.

Support organisations that want to improve the world; boycott those that destroy it

Many organisations today support social causes. Look for them (this shouldn’t be too difficult – if an organisation supports a cause, they will make sure to let you know), and use their products when possible. You can look out for bottles of water that donate a proportion of sales to improving water access in drought ridden countries, or bars of chocolate that are certified fair trade, or buy clothes that are made without sweatshops – as it goes, every dollar you spend is a vote for how you want the world to be.

Pay attention to social media

It’s almost impossible to avoid social media these days. Remember KONY 2012? Regardless of whether you support the cause or not, Invisible Children’s effort in using social media to instigate change was an app laudable one, and one that showed the power of social media to raise awareness to improve the lives of others.

If something catches your eye on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, or whatever you are using, make sure that you share it. It might be some statistic that you are completely unaware of, or an infographic, or a video. Letting your friends know is literally two clicks away.

The beauty of social media is that it uses your network of friends to make your social activism much more effective, whether you are organizing a boycott, a rally, or subscribing to a news feed – it turns ripples into waves.

Sarah Paige is a social activist who believes in the power of the people to instigate change. She urges people to do every bit that they can, whether they sponsor a child take up ethical consumerism, or do anything else that can make change happen.

Live Aid – A Concert That Changed The World

Bob Geldof

In 1984 Bob Geldof was merely the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, an Irish band with its roots in the punk movement. The Rats had achieved great success with smash hits like I don’t Like Mondays but were now in decline. One day Geldof turned on the television to see a news report about the severe famine in Ethiopia. The images he saw were so upsetting that he immediately wanted to do something to help but what could a rock musician do to change the lives of people in Africa ?

Band Aid

Geldof decided that a new song was in order and contacted Midge Ure with a view to collaborating on the project. Together they formed Band Aid, the name a clever pun on the name of a well- known adhesive bandage, and started to contact artists asking if they would join them to produce a unique charity record featuring multiple artists and from which all profits would be donated to the starving in Ethiopia.

A Chart Topper

“Do They Know It’s Christmas”, with lyrics by Geldof and melody by Midge Ure, was recorded in one day and released four days later. The song featured an array of stars from the music industry including Sting, Paul Young, Paul Weller and Boy George, all singing one line each. The recording shot straight to the top of the charts outselling all of the other songs in the chart put together, sold over three million copies and was the fastest selling single in British History. In 1985 A similar project in America, USA For Africa, resulted in a second record breaking single release “We are The World”, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie.

Moving On

Following the success of “Do They Know it’s Christmas” Geldof set his sights on staging a concert using the winning formula of multiple acts to raise further publicity and funds for the Ethiopian cause. The plans for the concert grew in scope to become a transatlantic feast of music staged at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

Impact

Nobody could have predicted the impact that the Live Aid concert would have on all who witnessed it. From the first moment to the last, the worldwide audience was captivated by a festival of music and emotion that no one will ever forget. Superstar after superstar gave career topping performances producing magical moments to savour.

Memorable Moments

This event delivered so many special moments that it would be impossible to mention them all ! How could anyone forget the very first song as Status Quo kicked things off with a thundering rendition of “Rockin’ All Over the World”? Queen delivered possibly their finest live performance ever with Freddie Mercury in his element, white Fender Telecaster in hand, leading the entire crowd singing in unison. Bob Geldof himself took the stage with the Boomtown Rats and Dire Straits rocked the stadium with “Money for Nothing”. The concert was a 16 hour marathon and an absolute triumph !

Legacy

It is estimated that in excess of £150 million has been raised as a direct result of the Live Aid Concert. More than that Geldof managed to change the attitudes of people in the developed world towards Africa. He made the famine in Ethiopia everyone’s problem and by doing this changed the world forever.

Peterborough Music offer the Fender Telecaster – favourite of many musicians over the years and seen on stage at Live Aid and the world over.

Charities And Construction: Where Does Your Donation Money Go?

The summer of 2012 was the Great British summer of sport, with the euros and the Olympics everyone was in the sporting spirit. The Olympics was constructed and inspired us all this summer, but some more than others. Events such as the Marie Curie Etape Pennines charity bike ride saw record numbers of participants taking part; cycling and doing their bit for a worthy cause. The event required all participants to pay an entry fee which it was presumed would go directly to Marie Curie. However rather than going to Marie Curie, all the profits went to one of the wealthiest showbiz and sport agencies in the world, IMG.

This got us thinking, we all want to do our bit for charity; some people volunteer their time and some companies make it their job to donate some profits to charity and fund new constructions. However the majority of us donate our hard earned cash to our favourite cause, the charity closest to our heart, but what actually happens to the money that we donate? Are charities really squandering it away? We explore the spending habits of charities…

Charities And Campaigns

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Charities spend a massive amount of money constructing campaigns together, after all the money for those adverts we see on our tellies has to come from somewhere. See, campaigning is vital for keeping charities in the spotlight and the money rolling in. However I bet you didn’t know that a recent venture amongst many charities is to use campaigns to target the legacy gift. If you don’t know what a legacy gift is, let me explain. A legacy gift is the money we put aside for charities in our will. Now only 7% of the British public choose to donate from beyond the grave and charities, rightly so, want more of us to do so. This is why legacy gift campaigns are taking place, however when your campaign involves printing instructions for leaving a legacy gift on the side of a teabag as one charity did, we are understandably going to doubt your spending habits.

Another thing we can’t understand when it comes to charity spending, are Chuggers. Why do charities spend their money on employing these people? Everyone has experienced them on the high street, mainly because it’s physically impossible to get from A to B without being interrupted by one. I suppose we should praise their persistence, their tenacity and dedication to the cause. However their tenacity is probably directed towards the massive wad of cash they can earn for every donor they sign up. Charities will usually pay the companies that employ Chuggers an amount between £80 and £160 for every individual donor that is signed up. When the average donor will probably only give said charity around £90 annually, you have to doubt whether charities are making the right decision when using chuggers to draw in donations.

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However some charities are more frugal with their spending. Take cancer research for example. Cancer research has dedicated itself to finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and the donations they receive go towards said research. Did you know that they have promised that for every pound that you donate at least 80p will go directly towards their research? Well it does! Cancer Research has followed through with their promise and as the charity and their work have grown so too has the awareness surrounding Cancer. Since the early 1970s the death rate from Bowel cancer has dropped by around 45% and almost two thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer in England and Wales are expected to survive for at least 20 years after diagnosis. Now that spending, I can support!

Author: Jenny Beswick supports charities and promotes Careers in Construction; If you are interested in following in Jenny’s footsteps then check out the latest job opportunities online today and see what difference you can make!

Wacky Fundraising Ideas

Money is tight for everyone at the moment and the charity sector is particularly suffering as we cut back on our spending. Charities and individuals are having to work harder than ever to get us to part with our cash, and come up with ideas which catch our imagination. Sponsored walks and jumble sales are still hugely popular, but some enterprising groups have come up with very innovative ideas.

The Calendar Girls

In 2012 the concept of a naked charity calendar is nothing new, but it was certainly a novel concept when a branch of the Women’s Institute decided to produce a charity calendar for leukemia research in 1999. The idea of middle aged women stripping for charity caused a huge stir and the calendar is now a collector’s item. The Yorkshire group have to date raised over 2 million for leukemia and related cancer research charities.

Ebay Auction

Raising money by auctioning things on the popular internet site Ebay is nothing new, but Eileen de Bont from Wales took things to a whole new level when she decided to auction off her name on the site. The winning bidder would be able to pick a new name for Eileen, and she would legally change her name to whatever the bidder decided. She raised£4,000 for the BBC’s Children in Need Appeal with the stunt, and appropriately the winning bidder decided she should be renamed Pudsey Bear.

Unusual Sleeping Arrangements

Not everyone has the time or energy to commit to running a marathon or organising a charity event, but we all have to sleep at night. Robert Challinor from Suffolk has decided to fundraise for the Child Brain Injury Trust by sleeping in a hammock every night for a year. Family hammocks are comfortable and once Robert gets used to sleeping suspended in one of the XL hammocks rather than a bed, his fundraising should be simple.

Hair Raising

One of the most distressing things which happens to cancer patients is the loss of their hair during treatment, and this is especially the case for children. Wigs made from real hair are far more realistic than those made from artificial hair and when 11 year old Sam Coombs’s friend lost her hair during treatment for her leukemia, Sam decided to have her own hair cut to raise funds for the cancer charities and also to provide hair to make the wigs. She raised over 1,500.

City Trading

Cantor Fitzgerald, the investment bank, hit the headlines in 2001 when it lost over 650 employees in the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York. Every year, the sister company of Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC, raises money for charity by donating their brokerage fees on each deal made on a specific day to charity. The event has grown in profile as more and more celebrities have been invited along to man the phones and increase takings, and some of the famous names donating their time last year included Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Leona Lewis and Eva Herzigova.

Westmount Living offer a fantastic range of family hammocks – great for lounging around the garden as well as for fundraising events!