I’ve knicked a quote here that in the UK usually refers to purchasing dogs as Christmas presents, you just don’t do it, it is a lifetime commitment.
Now we move on to giving and charity. At this time of year we are bombarded by requests to give and there are many tugs on the heartstrings that I have no doubt serve a purpose and achieve an influx of donations for those requesting assistance. And rightly so.
Then Christmas is over and done… silence!
Hence my title of this page. The singer George Michael had a song called “Praying for time” where he takes a well aimed prod at people by referring to our charitable contributions or lack of them…
These are the days of the empty hand
Oh, you hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear twice a year
This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there is over here.George Michael
Charity is a coat you wear twice a year, that’s a strong statement and it’s probably right.
Charitable giving shouldn’t just be one of those twice a year activities, it should be a year round thing. I know we are in a financial crisis and not everyone can afford to donate, however time is as valuable as money and it does not have to be a financial donation.
It’s something I’m going to change personally in the coming year, I do donate through my payroll to some small charities but I also fall in to that “ Charity is a coat you wear twice a year” category.
I’m determined that I will give more of my time, I have plenty of it, as we all do, no excuses we can all give time, hopefully it’s the one thing we are “Wealthy” with. We all hopefully have plenty of it.
Let’s use it, let’s make changes no matter how small.
Remember this quote:
I hope I haven’t come across as patronising or anything like that, this is never my intention. I was just mystified at advertising targeting a period when people naturally give, however missing out on the other 11 months of the year. Mind you I guess they are targeting an audience and getting it right.
Im going to wear that coat a lot more during 2025
Have a safe and peaceful holiday period, wherever you are and whatever you do. Stay safe. Peace
Foxes Den 
Just by the title, I nod in agreement. Since I am only wealthy on love, not financially, I give time, service for my family, and give veggies from our garden, at least for two to three families whenever they asked. So, I (we) plant as much as we can, so we can donate food as much as we can. That way, I help a little to my neighbors. Not money, but it’s convertible to money, and somehow it feed them.
I love this blog, balders.
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That is fantastic Hazel and just what I was trying to put across. It’s the simple things that mean more than people give credit to. We all have time and creativity in abundance, we just need to share it more. Well done you, you are a superb human soul 🙏
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Thank you so much, balders. It’s so kind of you to say that. In addition, I give smiles and appreciation every day to the people around me. At least, it made them glow for a while.🤭 it’s still a simple gesture of giving.
You have an amazing reflection, balders. I love it.
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