Raising Charitable Children

I made two new friends at a craft show on Saturday. Erich, age 7 and his sister Allison age 4. What struck me most about these siblings, besides their lovely dispositions and well manneredness, was their participation at the craft show. The two had made dozens of Christmas ornaments (jingle bell wreaths and candy-cane reindeer!) to sell, with proceeds going to the Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive. I was so enamoured with the children and their project, that it lead me to today’s post about raising charitable children.

It begins at home, with parents or guardians leading by example. This was apparent on Saturday, as Erich and Allison’s mom was helping to raise funds for her own project, an Eco-Quest program at Centre Hastings Secondary School. From what I know of this family, the children have been raised in an environment where giving is a natural and encouraged occurrence. Watching parents give something of themselves to others sets a positive example and lays the groundwork for creating kind, compassionate and responsible children and eventually adults.

Talk to your children about a variety of world issues and causes. You don’t have to get into some of the nitty-gritty or scary details that might be over their wee heads, but rather present it to them as an opportunity to make a difference. Would they like to help the homeless? Help cure a disease? Erect a playground? Save the environment? Having this conversation will identify what your children’s concerns are and what matters most to them.

Once your children have an idea of what cause(s) they would like to contribute to, research together the charities and services that are associated with that cause. Have a brainstorming session on how they can help. Many children are eager to help, but don’t understand how. And there can be many more ways other than donating money.

• Keep a jar in your house for donations. Small children will be eager to toss in loose change. Older children can allocate a percentage of their allowance for giving. Even small amounts of money can make a difference.

• Encourage children to donate gently used toys and clothing to charities or families in need.

• Collect non-perishable items for the local food bank. Most grocery stores have a bin for food bank donation items. Allow children to choose healthy items to put in the bin.

• Spend time together making cookies for a bake sale.

• Pick up litter in your neighbourhood park or playground.

• Set up a lemonade stand or even a yard sale and donate the proceeds.

• Do yard work, go grocery shopping, or bring the garbage cans in from the curb for an elderly neighbor.

• Hand out flyers, put up posters or stuff and stamp envelopes for an event in your area.

• Collect books for a local book drive.

• Cut and donate your hair for Cancer.

• Participate as a family in a walk-a-thon.
  
• Collect Canadian Tire money for charities, such as animal shelters.

Talk about it afterward. Why was their contribution so important? How did it make them feel? It is important to remember that the spirit of philanthropy is not about what or how much you give but rather about the feeling that you are helping others in need.

For more information on charities who need your help, follow these links:

http://www.canadahelps.org/Home.aspx

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html

http://www.canadacharity.ca/

http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/main.asp