Hong Kong is a place where East meets West. Children get presents for Christmas and red packets for Chinese New Year. How should you spend your lai see? You could buy yourself a present and then put aside some money for saving and make a donation to charity. Have you ever heard about the term 'tithe'? It means 'a tenth'. It is a word used in the Bible. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to give one-tenth of their 'income' to the priests after harvest. They gave animals, birds and crops. Sometimes, people gave more than a tenth. Nowadays, people donate out of generosity. Donations improve the lives of others as well as your own. There is no obligation to share and it should come straight from the heart. Examples of famous philanthropists are Microsoft's Bill Gates and ethical investor Sir John Templeton. People are not born with an overwhelming desire to give. Most students think donating is the responsibility of their parents. Have you ever heard the story in the New Testament about the widow who dropped two copper coins into the treasury-box? Jesus appreciated the gesture - the widow gave more spiritually than the rich people. She donated of her own will and gave all that she had. That was the biggest gift of all. Donations must be made with a happy heart. You could first start by donating a small amount and it will develop into a life-long habit. When you start working and make your own money, you can give more. Nothing can compare with the happiness and joy of giving. Contribution is not limited to giving money. You can give your time to serve others. Doing volunteer work is a good start. Giving benefits the giver and the receiver. You feel good about it and it balances your life. You help yourself by helping others. When you make a donation, make sure you don't send cash, and find out if the organisation you're donating to is a genuine charity. You could discuss it with your parents. You could even collect donations from your friends. Your parents will get a tax deduction for donations you make. Dr Sze is the president of the Society of Registered Financial Planners If you have a money-related question, send it to yp@scmp.com with Money Matters as the subject
