Becoming a giving person is exhausting and refreshing

I feel like generosity is such an imperative quality for anybody to have. It’s not an easy one though, emotionally and literally becoming a giving person is exhausting and refreshing at the same time.

But there are so many outstretched hands; all around us there is poverty and there people struggling with minor expenses most people wouldn’t blink an eye at. We go shopping, we have to pay for parking or we pay the parking guard. We pay our waitresses 10% of the bill. On our way home we encounter countless people at our robots begging for money and odd jobs in every way possible. We arrive home to find the ones we love in need of emotional connection. we give it.

That R3.50 given to the man watching our car –although we sigh as we look for change –is to him a wage you or I cannot understand.

“Would you like to donate R2 to feed a child?” the cashier at KFC asks.

“Ja, and can I have a vanilla milkshake too.”

We put our hands up to signal to those begging at the intersection that we have nothing to give, irritated and uncomfortable. We justify this behavior by concluding that it’s not our problem.

We are bombarded with pictures of starving and abused animals and children. The news is filled with war and death and disaster. And I think, “How much more could I give this world that is in such destruction?”

I forget how much I have; my beautiful family, my amazing friends, a loving relationship, financial security and the opportunity to be studying. What could I, a 20 year old student give?

We give everyday without realising it, I suppose some more than others. My mother taught me –more by example than anything –that generosity is one of the most beautiful qualities a person can have. As a student I try and tip when I can and I try giving spare food or loose change to whoever comes to our commune gate and solicits. It’s not enough, I want to do more, I want to actively be involved in creating a better life for those in need.

So I will start with my voice. All I am suggesting is that we give a little bit more and push a little further in terms of our involvement in charity. I ask that we love a little harder and give a lot more affection to the ones we love. I ask that we give ourselves a little more credit for just about keeping our sanity with all the struggles around us.

 “This national feeding initiative, which runs all year round, allows you to purchase ‘hope’ off the menu for just R2. What you are actually buying is a meal for a hungry child.” – Add Hope Website

“‘FORA’ is a Pro quality of life animal haven for dogs and cats. We at Fora believe that our animals deserve more than just a bowl of food, water and a roof over their heads.”- FORA Website

“'ChariTea' is my philanthropic creation that I hope will be a fun yet successful way of raising much needed funds for various non profit organisations.” - Deer Delights

“Save the Rhino International works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. We recognise that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to the communities that share its habitat.” – Savetherhino.org

“The Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF) is a non-profit organisation established in 1988 with the aim of addressing the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa through awareness and education campaigns aimed at the public and medical professionals.” – The Organ donor Foundation

“CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa.” – cansa.org

“People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 3 million members and supporters.

PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals.” – peta.org

“The United Nations was founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.” – un.org