8 Easy Ways to Give Back
Offer to Help – As the weather begins to get colder and wetter, it can be hard for elderly or vulnerable people to leave their homes. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself to an older neighbour and ask if they need any shopping done, or errands carried out.
Even if they say they are OK, continue to drop by on a regular basis, as they may initially be too proud to admit that they need assistance, but if they get used to you calling they will start to feel more comfortable accepting your help.
Plant a Tree – Trees are essential not only for the environment, but to us as well, especially in a time where air pollution is a growing issue. Trees produce oxygen, release and absorb water, as well as absorb carbon dioxide. With each tree planted, we decrease toxicity in addition to encouraging wildlife and wellness.
Clear Out Your Wardrobe – In these strange Covid-19 times and with more and more people finding themselves out of work, many families are struggling to afford clothing. Go through your winter wardrobe and gather up any clean wearable clothes that you and your family no longer need or wear, and take them along to a charity shop or homeless shelter.
Donate to a Food Bank – Many families are also struggling to put food on the table, so de-clutter your kitchen cupboards and take anything you are unlikely to use along to your local food bank (ensure items are within use-by date).
Every time you do your weekly shop, buy a few extra non-perishable items such as long-life milk, tinned meat and fish, pasta, rice etc, and put them in your supermarket food bank donation baskets (most have them), or drop them off at your local food bank.
Tackle Period Poverty – Sanitary products are a basic necessity, yet some young women in Ireland can’t afford them. Not having access to sanitary protection can be traumatising and often causes young girls to miss school. The Homeless Period Ireland accepts donations of sanitary products at a number of drop-off points (see their Facebook page for details) and distributes them to women and girls in need.
Adopt an Endangered Species – Love penguins, tigers, rhinos, monkeys, or elephants? Why not adopt one? Organisations such as World Animal Foundation, International Animal Rescue and WWF let you pick from a list of endangered species that you can adopt and protect.
You can buy an adoption kit that includes a certificate and often a plush toy version of the animal you adopted. Many also send you regular updates and pictures.
Get Stuck In – If you have any time to spare, volunteering for a charity is a wonderful way of giving back. Volunteer Ireland (www.volunteerireland.ie) is a great site to find opportunities in a wide range of areas including charity shops, animal fostering, gardening and conservation as well as ways you can use your professional skills to help others.
Reach Out – If you know or hear of anyone who may be lonely or going through a tough time – maybe an elderly relative or neighbour, or a withdrawn colleague – go out of your way to talk to and spend time with them. Let them know that you are always there to provide a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, or even just to share a cuppa and a chat.