Covid-19 has given many of us extra time to reflect on what’s truly important to us and in a lot of cases, a realisation of everything you have to be grateful for has prompted a desire to do something in your own time to give something back.
Life has changed and so many people are living and working more online now, meaning there are more opportunities than ever before to reach out and make a difference.
Here are four ways that you can connect with people who might benefit from your help, and make a real difference in their lives.
- Join a virtual charity event
Forced to change their way of thinking due to the pandemic, many charities have adapted their large in-person events to an online format. Runs have gone virtual, pub quizzes have gone virtual and without the need for travel or, in some cases, even leaving your house, there’s never been an easier time to take part in such events.
- Support local businesses
The high street chains may be getting all the publicity for their dive in profits, but there are always winners and losers in life, and never has there been a better time to support your local shops. Check out your independent coffee shops and restaurants, clothing stores and more. As well as simply visiting them, follow their social media pages to show your support and share their activities with others in your online network.
- Support local charities in ways other than just financial
Money is always going to be appreciated as it’s instantly accessible and can be used in the most appropriate ways to suit charities immediate needs, but money isn’t the only way you can show your support. Food banks and homeless shelters may be running low on food, and animal charities might be low on food and bedding. Many volunteers will be self-isolating or no longer able to support the causes they once did, so you might consider volunteering to walk dogs at a local dog shelter, for example. Not only will this help them, but it will get you out in the fresh air too, which comes with its own benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Be a good example to your family
Ensuring that your spouse, children, and grandchildren are aware of what you are trying to do to help will set a powerful example that will hopefully encourage them to consider others and do what they can to pay it forward too. You might even select a cause that’s important to you as a family unit and make supporting that cause a fun way for your family to bond. Sharing your passions for different causes will help you see aspects of the world in a new light and will introduce you to new people and causes you might have otherwise overlooked.
Part of our lifestyle financial planning process is helping determine what is truly important to you. We would love you to share your passions and interests with us, so we can help you plan how to give back and form a long-lasting legacy.
This article does not constitute financial advice and should not be construed as such.