Idea Transcript
The need is great: Please help Opinion Dec 21, 2011 Hamilton Spectator Hamiltonians take a back seat to no one when it comes to charitable giving: Shortly before the “great recession” hit, Statistics Canada reported that people in the Hamilton area gave $40 more than the national median of $240 per donor. But — and here’s the rub — some Hamiltonians who have supported local agencies and programs are now seeking help. For just one example, a North End food bank now serves people who were donors to that same agency just a year or two ago. The need is great. But there are fewer of us helping. Those of us who are feeling, well, comfortable, this Christmas are vitally needed. Local charitable organizations — particularly those in the “business” of Christmas food and gift hampers — are struggling this year, with demand outstripping even this city’s traditional generosity. Agencies are trying to put presents under trees and food on tables for families who can barely make their money last a normal month, let alone December. These are our neighbours — men, women and children who cannot take for granted the things many of us do: A grocery list with holiday “extras,” shopping trips to the local mall (or dollar store), gifts that express how we feel about each other. Some depend on social assistance; others are among Hamilton’s “working poor” — families that live below the poverty line despite one or even two minimum-wage incomes. Want a touch of irony? When we push a few dollars over the coffee-shop or fast-food counter for a gift card or a ceramic mug as a last-minute stocking stuffer, the employee giving us our change almost certainly can’t afford to buy the same thing for their family. The reality is that if everyone who bought a last-minute impulse gift or other holiday purchase in the next few days gave that money — gave even a fraction of that money — to a local charity, the need would be fully met. Instead of buying yet another toy or knick-knack, rather than adding yet one more dessert or appetizer to the already-loaded holiday menu, could we not use it to help others in our community? The difference — not entirely metaphorical — is that when most of us dig deep in our pockets, we find change. When many others in this city dig deep in their pockets, they find lint. Hamilton has a multitude of reputable charities, and dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to donate food, gifts or money that will go to where the need is. School offices are often aware of neighbourhood needs; many stores, supermarkets and businesses provide a way to donate. Jesus — and the leaders of almost every other religion — said the same thing in different ways: Feed the hungry. Clothe the poor. Raise up the lowly. Love thy neighbour. None proclaimed a need to shop. Please give. Dig deep — or deeper — and make this Christmas and holidays special for others — and for yourself. A list of Hamilton agencies accepting holiday donations appeared on Tuesday’s Page A2 and is at thespec.com (http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/641879--charitable-campaigns-hoping-for-late-christmas-rush). The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign continues to Christmas and is available online at fillthekettle.com (http://fillthekettle.com/). Robert Howard
The need is great: Please help Opinion Dec 21, 2011 Hamilton Spectator Hamiltonians take a back seat to no one when it comes to charitable giving: Shortly before the “great recession” hit, Statistics Canada reported that people in the Hamilton area gave $40 more than the national median of $240 per donor. But — and here’s the rub — some Hamiltonians who have supported local agencies and programs are now seeking help. For just one example, a North End food bank now serves people who were donors to that same agency just a year or two ago. The need is great. But there are fewer of us helping. Those of us who are feeling, well, comfortable, this Christmas are vitally needed. Local charitable organizations — particularly those in the “business” of Christmas food and gift hampers — are struggling this year, with demand outstripping even this city’s traditional generosity. Agencies are trying to put presents under trees and food on tables for families who can barely make their money last a normal month, let alone December. These are our neighbours — men, women and children who cannot take for granted the things many of us do: A grocery list with holiday “extras,” shopping trips to the local mall (or dollar store), gifts that express how we feel about each other. Some depend on social assistance; others are among Hamilton’s “working poor” — families that live below the poverty line despite one or even two minimum-wage incomes. Want a touch of irony? When we push a few dollars over the coffee-shop or fast-food counter for a gift card or a ceramic mug as a last-minute stocking stuffer, the employee giving us our change almost certainly can’t afford to buy the same thing for their family. The reality is that if everyone who bought a last-minute impulse gift or other holiday purchase in the next few days gave that money — gave even a fraction of that money — to a local charity, the need would be fully met. Instead of buying yet another toy or knick-knack, rather than adding yet one more dessert or appetizer to the already-loaded holiday menu, could we not use it to help others in our community? The difference — not entirely metaphorical — is that when most of us dig deep in our pockets, we find change. When many others in this city dig deep in their pockets, they find lint. Hamilton has a multitude of reputable charities, and dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to donate food, gifts or money that will go to where the need is. School offices are often aware of neighbourhood needs; many stores, supermarkets and businesses provide a way to donate. Jesus — and the leaders of almost every other religion — said the same thing in different ways: Feed the hungry. Clothe the poor. Raise up the lowly. Love thy neighbour. None proclaimed a need to shop. Please give. Dig deep — or deeper — and make this Christmas and holidays special for others — and for yourself. A list of Hamilton agencies accepting holiday donations appeared on Tuesday’s Page A2 and is at thespec.com (http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/641879--charitable-campaigns-hoping-for-late-christmas-rush). The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign continues to Christmas and is available online at fillthekettle.com (http://fillthekettle.com/). Robert Howard
The need is great: Please help Opinion Dec 21, 2011 Hamilton Spectator
Hamiltonians take a back seat to no one when it comes to charitable giving: Shortly before the “great recession” hit, Statistics Canada reported that people in the Hamilton area gave $40 more than the national median of $240 per donor. But — and here’s the rub — some Hamiltonians who have supported local agencies and programs are now seeking help. For just one example, a North End food bank now serves people who were donors to that same agency just a year or two ago. The need is great. But there are fewer of us helping. Those of us who are feeling, well, comfortable, this Christmas are vitally needed. Local charitable organizations — particularly those in the “business” of Christmas food and gift hampers — are struggling this year, with demand outstripping even this city’s traditional generosity. Agencies are trying to put presents under trees and food on tables for families who can barely make their money last a normal month, let alone December. These are our neighbours — men, women and children who cannot take for granted the things many of us do: A grocery list with holiday “extras,” shopping trips to the local mall (or dollar store), gifts that express how we feel about each other. Some depend on social assistance; others are among Hamilton’s “working poor” — families that live below the poverty line despite one or even two minimum-wage incomes. Want a touch of irony? When we push a few dollars over the coffee-shop or fast-food counter for a gift card or a ceramic mug as a last-minute stocking stuffer, the employee giving us our change almost certainly can’t afford to buy the same thing for their family. The reality is that if everyone who bought a last-minute impulse gift or other holiday purchase in the next few days gave that money — gave even a fraction of that money — to a local charity, the need would be fully met. Instead of buying yet another toy or knick-knack, rather than adding yet one more dessert or appetizer to the already-loaded holiday menu, could we not use it to help others in our community? The difference — not entirely metaphorical — is that when most of us dig deep in our pockets, we find change. When many others in this city dig deep in their pockets, they find lint. Hamilton has a multitude of reputable charities, and dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to donate food, gifts or money that will go to where the need is. School offices are often aware of neighbourhood needs; many stores, supermarkets and businesses provide a way to donate. Jesus — and the leaders of almost every other religion — said the same thing in different ways: Feed the hungry. Clothe the poor. Raise up the lowly. Love thy neighbour. None proclaimed a need to shop. Please give. Dig deep — or deeper — and make this Christmas and holidays special for others — and for yourself. A list of Hamilton agencies accepting holiday donations appeared on Tuesday’s Page A2 and is at thespec.com (http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/641879--charitable-campaigns-hoping-for-late-christmas-rush). The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign continues to Christmas and is available online at fillthekettle.com (http://fillthekettle.com/). Robert Howard
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