Simple ways to teach children charitable giving
Giving to others has proven benefits of increasing overall life-satisfaction, and in children, has been shown to reduce problem behaviours. Studies conducted within the past 10years have also shown that volunteering leads to improvements in both academic and social well-being in youth. Volunteering and charitable giving are valuable activities for family participation but it can be daunting to search out kid-friendly opportunities. Fortunately, There are many local organizations that make charitable involvement quick and approachable for parents.
Animal Adoptions
The World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.ca) and the Toronto Zoo (www.torontozoo.com) both have adoption packages available for self-purchase or as a gift. With options ranging from Alligators to Zebras, children will love looking through pictures and choosing an animal to adopt. Both the WWF and the Toronto Zoo give a certificate with purchase. WWF adoptions also receive a plush toy, whereas The zoo adoptions give you and your child the opportunity to visit your animal.
Monetary Commitment: $25 – $1,500
Birthday Giving
Powered off an an e-vite system for children's birthday parties, ECHOage.com fuses social consciousness with birthday giving. Invitees donate money through ECHOage rather than bringing presents to a party. After the party, the organization splits the total donations in half (less a 15 per cent service fee) and sends half of the money to a charity chosen by the host parent and child. The other half of the money is then sent to the host parent who uses it to purchase one meaningful gift for the birthday boy or girl.
Monetary Commitment: none
Sponsor a Family
Run through the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, this program is popular around holidays, but available year round. An individual, classroom, or community group can help sponsor a family through HelpTheLessFortunate.org by purchasing items for inclusion in a gift basket presented to a family or or by donating cash for a basket to be assembled by SVDP staff. Sponsors receive information about the family they are assisting. Children will be excited to help wrap presents or draw a personalized card to include with the gift basket.
Monetary Commitment: $100-$200 for a family of four
Food Bank Donations
Local fire-halls accept food bank donations year round. Taking your children grocery shopping can be a drag, so encouraging them to pick out food donations will help them focus on a positive activity rather than on all of the snacks they'd like you to buy. Dropping the donations off at your local fire-hall is quick and easy and as a bonus your child might get to meet a firefighter!
Monetary Commitment: Minimal
Jennifer A Vaughn is a writer living in Toronto. Visit jenniferavaughn.com.
