When money is in short supply, supporting charities seems like a luxury that can no longer be afforded. But in reality, during recessions even more aid is needed, and many experts report that if one is feeling the economic pinch, an act of generosity can help quash sentiments of personal lack.One organization that I have continuously supported for several years is Kiva. Kiva provides lenders (you!) the ability to provide microloans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, "empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty."
Our family was fortunate to travel in Pakistan almost four years ago. The media presents a sometimes frightening image of this Asian country, but I can say from my first-hand experience that the vast majority of people there are just like you and me, with the same daily tasks of making meals, working either inside or outside the home, and providing for families---during our stay, we were invited into family homes and treated with much respect.
More importantly perhaps, the trip help to put into perspective how wealthy the West is compared with much of the rest of the world: for example, what many of us spend on the morning newspaper and coffee could send a child to private school for two months or feed a family of seven for two weeks. One realizes quickly that $25 or 15 UK pounds or 20 euros can make an enormous difference in a person's life.
Kiva allows us to do that. For more information, please see their web site. And the beauty is once a loan is paid back, the lender can reloan the money to a new person seeking to improve the quality of life for his or her family. One investment can keeping giving for years to come. :-D
By charity, goodness, restraint, and self-control men and woman alike can store up a well-hidden treasure -- a treasure which cannot be given to others and which robbers cannot steal. A wise person should do good -- that is the treasure which will not leave one. ---Khuddhaka Patha
