The concept of philanthropy revolves around giving love generously to help people in need and make their lives better. Love fuels it, no more, no less. We can be a philanthropist not only when we have a huge amount of money but when we can share our time and efforts unselfishly to promote the cause of humanity.
According to Tony Robbins' website, among famous philanthropists are Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, J.K. Rowling, Diane Von Furstenberg, Warren Buffett, George Soros, Michael Bloomberg, and Jeff Bezos. Tony has his own foundation as he believes that the meaning of life is giving.
We understand the difference between living and life when we take and when we give. As Winston Churchill said,
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.Actually, it is not just about giving back to the Almighty Source what He gifted us with. It is also about balance.
Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin empire, said so -- "Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won't make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if money was spent in Africa and it's about getting a balance."
Many foundations and charitable organizations mushroomed here for noble goals. These are required as they must be regulated, otherwise, some people with bad intentions will only enrich themselves using humanitarian issues as a front in soliciting pledges and collecting resources.
In the United Arab Emirates, "it is illegal to promote and collect donations online or provide social services of any nature without first obtaining the proper permission and licensing from authorities", according to Atty Ashish Mehta (Khaleej Times).
He further said that "Whomsoever violates the provision of Donation Law of Dubai may be penalized with fines ranging from AED5K to AED100K and/or imprisonment for not less than one (1) month." (Read more here). Everybody here must know this to avoid such fine and/or imprisonment.
Before attending a fundraising event here, ask the host or organizers if they have the necessary permits to do so to avoid trouble. Check online if the cooperating charitable organization is duly accredited by the government.
The list of charitable organizations in the UAE can be found here. It is inspiring to check those websites to understand and appreciate what the government is doing to address humanitarian issues, how willing and able entities can share resources and how the needy can have access to such.
For sharing of used clothes, electronic items, and others, there are bins open to the public in some malls and other designated areas. So if you want to clean your room and do MariKondo thing, check where those bins are.
For volunteering time and efforts to help promote the cause of charitable organizations/philanthropic groups, this link will help.
We are a privileged generation as there are many free online courses on philanthropy so we know how this works and how we can help others to make this world a better place to live in. Then we can connect with others having similar interests. To start our social works, we can begin at home, in the neighborhood, and in the community. There are many vulnerable people around. We need more philanthropists to help transform their lives.
Judith Faulkner pledged 99% of his wealth to philanthropy, with this belief -- "My goal in pledging 99% of my assets to philanthropy is to help others with roots -- foods, warmth, shelter, healthcare, education -- so they, too, can have wings."
I have viewed many, many documentaries about the legendary philanthropist Princess Diana, and I am passionately moved by her compassion. Feel it --
Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life -- a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call me. I will come running wherever they are.Who else will say that? "Whoever is in distress can call me. I will come running wherever they are." I wish she were alive.
We can emulate her and other philanthropists by sharing with joy in our hearts a part of ourselves in terms of time, talents and treasure (no matter how small), with vulnerable people.
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Photo credits: Pixabay
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