By Sue Asquith, Senior Vice President
There is no doubt the images coming from Haiti over the past weeks have been haunting; telling tales of tragedy and suffering. Global humanity has risen to the occasion to bring medical professionals, rescue teams, spiritual leaders and celebrities from all parts of the universe to ask the world’s population to give millions to the relief and rebuilding effort. Everywhere you look are messages appear to text $10 for Haitian relief efforts. National sports teams are doing it. The phone companies are doing it. Even broadcast networks have joined in. Past Presidents are reaching out to the world to give. Our Nation’s First Lady is on television appealing for help. The world has absolutely come together during a time of overwhelming grief to lend a hand. It’s not the first time this has happened – Katrina, China, Indonesia – and hopefully it won’t be the last. After it's all said and done, however, let’s not forget: charity begins at home too.
They may not be the disaster of the moment, but why should our local charities have to struggle daily to meet critical, sometimes life-sustaining fundraising goals when tens of millions of dollars are being raised for an international crisis? Is it because Brad, George, Julia and Jen aren’t on the other line of a telethon phone taking calls? Or it doesn’t make for good TV? Extreme Makeover came to town to help out a family and neighborhood. As part of its contribution they sent 10,000 pairs of shoes to needy families in Jamaica. A worthy endeavor, however, I’m sure there are 10,000 kids in Buffalo who are also in desperate need of shoes or boots to get them warmly to school each day.
It shouldn’t take a global disaster to remind us that there are numerous local charities that are also in desperate need of our community’s support. Charities that help families, individuals and children who have not suffered the aftermath of an earthquake but live with their own devastating situations: poverty, drug addiction, parental abandonment, mental health issues, domestic violence, illiteracy and more. None of which have been caused by an earthquake, but just as devastating to crumbling the foundation of one’s family, one’s life.
Charity isn’t just about money either – it’s about giving of your time, a smile or a thank you when it’s least expected. Giving is easy even if you don’t have discretionary cash. Go to your basement, your closet, garage or attic. De-clutter your life of the things; possessions you don’t need but could bring some useful purpose to someone else. Begin teaching your children, the next generation of philanthropists, simple things they can do now to get in touch with a lifetime of giving.
The most important part about giving is the personal sense of well being you’ll receive when you give acts of kindness. Even the smallest gestures can provide a lifetime of happiness, make a world’s difference. You don’t need to wait for the next global disaster to engage in charity. Remember everyday brings opportunities to give. So, instead of texting $10 to the next world’s disaster, text to your local charity of choice. Let’s all remember charity begins at home my friends. Charity begins at home.
