The year has flown by once more, and I find myself back at the beginning, or so it seems. This is the time of year when I get the opportunity to reflect on my life, my family, all I have and in my case, be very thankful for how lucky I am. There will be Christmas lists to fill, decorations to put up and joy to be had all around. My wife and I will shop for toys to place under the wish tree for children who may not be so fortunate and we will marvel at how far toys have come in design since we were children, and wish we were children once more.
This time of year is also one of the sad times for me as well, because as I reflect on my good fortune I will also feel a little helpless for those out there who are less fortunate. This year it will strike a little harder as I have come to be aware of many more people and groups striving to help both people and animals in need. This would be the first year in my life that I have bought so much less throughout it for myself, which would normally consist of things that I don’t yet have. Yes, I have nearly everything a person could find, and when something new comes out I would usually consider buying it, but not so in the last twelve months.
In an effort to be comfortable with the person I am, this year I made a choice to spend less on things for myself and to give more to help those people, those organisations I have learnt so much about who do so much for those in need, the ones I feel so sad for at Christmas. I am not going to discuss how much I have given this year because this is not a contest, it is not a call out for recognition, but it is my opportunity to share how simple it really has been. I have sponsored orphan elephants, given to animal shelters, bought fruit trees for orang-utan sanctuaries, supported homeless people and their pets, sponsored a child, walked for elephants and I am currently raising money to support widows of park rangers killed protecting our forests and animals. Those who know me will actually realise that despite what I have done, I still remain empty, I still want to do more and I will never think I have done enough until I have done them all.
I have met some truly inspirational people who have given up their lives, their money, to start organisations like Thin Green Line and the International Anti Poaching Foundation, and I expose my mind to numerous causes, numerous situations where life is not treated respectfully, and each day I endeavour to share some of what I know to touch another heart, or enlighten another mind so that some of my load can be shared. For many people, the happenings of the world are hidden in the back of the mind where they don’t need to think too hard about what is going on, and whilst I understand their train of thought, I also realise that the problems will remain, and that they are ultimately everyone’s problem unless we act to change them. The truth is that for the world to be a better world everyone needs to contribute in some way.
So today is like the start of a new life, or should I say, the chance to start a new life. Today I am asking people to consider doing something, small or large to help another in need, and at the same time I am asking you to encourage your friends to do the same. I am not asking for much, just for you and your family to find yourself a cause and this year give something to it to help it continue the work it is doing. A few dollars is all it takes, and if you feel so generous, then certainly more, but make it a family commitment. Involve your children in the decision so that they appreciate and understand the importance of reaching out to give as compared to reaching out to take. If you don’t have money to spend then maybe donate some unwanted goods to help.
Today I especially reach out to all those who I have helped in one way or another over many years, all those who have always said, ‘anything I can do to help you, let me know’. Yes, well today I am letting you know how I need help, and I hope that you can be true to your words. To help you find a cause, I have listed below a number of different links which offer the opportunity to donate by buying goods, or sponsoring an animal. The list in reality is far longer than I could ever give, but this is a start. If your situation is such that you can’t afford to give money, then give a few minutes to share this post and ask others to consider what they can do at Christmas to make someone, or something else’s life better.
Here are a few links you can look up to find something to share with them.
The Orang-utan Project – www.orangutan.org.au
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Thin Green Line – (Supporting Park Rangers) – www.thingreenline.org.au
International Anti Poaching Foundation – www.iapf.org
Animal Aid – Coldstream – www.animalaid.org.au
With Compassion and Soul – www.withcompassion.com.au
International Gorilla Conservation Project – www.igcp.org
Born Free – www.bornfree.org.uk
There are many more causes out there, and all I ask is that this year you reach out to help one.
Dare To Change The World.