Monday 2 February 2009

The widow's mite

Pagans who do charitable work and make charitable donations are rather like the poor widow of the parable, making their donations anonymously and quietly; whereas certain other religions with big charities mentioning the name of the religion in their titles are rather like the ostentatious rich men in the story.

Since there are those who claim that Pagans are not charitable, here, just as an example, is a list of all the charities I support.

Charities and causes to which I contribute money every month:
Charities and causes to which I occasionally contribute, or have contributed in the past:
  • Hurricane Katrina appeal (one-off donation)
  • Tsunami appeal (I did a bring-and-buy sale for this, and helped to organise an online auction)
  • Shelter, homeless charity (financial contribution)
  • Stop Violence Against Women (helped with their website)
  • Big Issue (homeless street paper - I frequently buy one)
  • Cancer research (several one-off donations)
  • Pakistan earthquake appeal (one-off donation)
  • Victims of war in Iraq (one-off donation)
  • Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (occasional donations)
  • Lancaster University Alumni Fund (had a direct debit for ages)
  • Soulforce: Freedom for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People (can't remember if this is a monthly payment or a one-off donation)
  • University and Colleges Union (Branch Secretary)
  • Poppy Appeal
  • Online donations for various wars and famines

1 comment:

Yewtree said...

Oh yes, forgot to mention, I buy all my tea, coffee & chocolate from fairtrade sources (and other stuff when it's available).