As the season of giving gets nearer, its great to see the energy being put into helping others. Christmas is regarded as one of those times where you can settle old family feuds, get away with partying that little bit more and spend time helping those who need it.
The generous feeling that Christmas inspires gives us scope to get away with things we normally wouldn't be able to do. Some would say helping others is investing in the karma bank, but if you mix the Christmas spirit with doing something for charity then you're onto a real winner.
Get creative and raise money by coming up with a fundraiser that's a bit risky. That way, more people will buy into it and be challenged to participate. Think of things you aren't normally allowed to do and match this against the large arena of opportunities you'll get for saying 'It's for a Christmas charity'.
The advantage of supporting a charity like Operation Santa Claus or a telethon is that all the money goes into a collective pool, so even small contributions can add up to a massive one. Even if you only raise $10, while it may seem to be such a small amount, at least you're contributing more than people who do nothing and are in no position to criticise you. If everyone in Hong Kong donated $10, we could raise more than $70 million!
So, if you've been complaining that your school tuck shop doesn't have enough sweets, crisps and chocolate, have a 'Totally Junk Food' themed fundraiser and justify the lack of nutrition as a day to helping others. Or charge $10 for students to be allowed to text their mates during nominated lessons - again, who can argue if it's for charity? Make the teachers cycle to school and rent their car park spaces out for the day. Sponsor them to dress up as special Santas and give out presents in hospitals. The possibilities are endless and exciting.
Whatever it is, rest assured that people will support you, as we all want to do something to help others.
