In recent years, the world has been experiencing an increasing frequency of extreme weather events largely attributed to climate change. Even though we were pre-warned that Hurricane Sandy would be a storm of historic proportions, no one could have accurately predicted the sheer intensity of her shocking wake. Yet we don’t need to look beyond our shores to witness the devastation and suffering that the flooding has caused to lives and property. By one account, “the floods visited on Nigeria by nature, have caused untold human suffering, and sitting down in cities far away from the disaster, it is not so easy to understand the deep human suffering that is ongoing. But know that this is the worst disaster that has befallen
Nigeria since the Civil War.” A philanthropist is “someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes.” Philanthropy affords one the opportunity and privilege of making a positive impact on society to shape or even save lives. By giving to community, the arts, cultural, sports, religious, and civic organisations, we are in a position to be deliberately involved in causes that we believe in. Determine what type of initiatives you wish to support and then review your finances to decide how much you can afford to give. Will it be a one-off donation or is it something you can continue to commit to year on year. Narrow your choices down to a few charities or causes you feel comfortable with and do some research on them to ensure that their ethos and mission are in
consonance with your core values; then choose say one or two to support. Follow up to see how your donation is assisting them. When you see the impact
it is having, you will find it easier to continue to give. Philanthropy takes on many forms. It is our individual response to human needs; It is caring and serving; an opportunity to be involved. It can be through direct giving, or through impact investing which combines the profit motive of traditional investing with the social and developmental outcomes of philanthropy. What are you doing to help the victims of the floods that have ravaged parts of Nigeria and destroyed the lives and livelihood of thousands of our fellow citizens? This is the time to gather money, food, clothing, books, toys, household appliances from crammed cupboards; these will all be appreciated by thousands of people displaced by the floods. Bear in mind that even in such dire situations, there will always be unscrupulous individuals and groups who will try to take advantage of your generosity. So try to identify credible organisations that you feel certain will ensure that relief material reaches the most needy including the following: PASTOR FEMI OBALEMO MOVEMENT (PFOM). We have set up collection centres in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Lokoja, Kabba, London, Dallas and Johannesburg for this purpose. The number to call, for more details is +2348039719986. For centres in Edo State & environs; Call Bro Sam +2347037821279, 08022960319. We all love to see the excitement on our children’s faces on birthdays or at Christmas, ripping the wrapping paper off their presents. Try to emphasise the non-material aspects of the season as Christmas approaches, such as family and fellowship and generosity. It is not enough to just tell our children to be charitable and kind. Our own actions in supporting others will speak louder than anything we can say. We must guide them through a program of action that becomes ingrained in their psyche. Giving some attention to the present floods will teach them a powerful
and vivid real-life lesson, that their personal money or possessions can have a positive effect on the well-being of others. With all the pressure that many families are going through, to even suggest that one should give seems absurd as it is the last thing on many people’s mind. Even if you are going through difficult times yourself, try to focus on being grateful for what you do have and what opportunities continue to present themselves. Look around you; there will always be someone worse off than you are. You can still do your own little bit and add value to someone else’s life even if you have little or no cash to spare. Giving does not mean that you must give only financially; there are several other ways to give in a meaningful way. The possibilities of giving of your time, experience, talent and intellect are vast and by sharing your knowledge with others, you can add value to your community in this way. You can give of your time to volunteer, visit the elderly, support a foundation, participate in charity walks or runs to raise money for a particular initiative. Are you a resource person in a particular field? There will be something, some talent that you can share with others that will impact positively on their lives. Indeed it is during trying times, even when your finances might seem stretched that you are forced to look inwards at what is truly important in life. Sometimes perspectives become warped and the most important aspects of life, such as your relationship with God, family and other relationships, your health, job satisfaction, and fulfilling interests take a back seat. Fortunately, challenging times compel us to recognise the true value that we hold as human beings and what makes us more successful, effective, balanced, and fulfilled people. By deciding to make a difference in someone else’s life, you can bring so much more meaning, value, and a lasting form of happiness to your own.