Big Day of Giving

brianlux · May 2017

I'm a bit curious as to what you all think of the relatively new annual event called the Big Day of Giving.

To me it's a bit like any other prescribed holiday or event. I don't particularly subscribe to the idea of having a set day to love someone, care for the planet, smoke a joint or give money to a cause. I do those kinds of things when inspired or motivated on my own.

But maybe I'm being too cynical. I mean, after all, this does seem to prompt people to be more giving. But then skeptical me thinks, how carefully do we make choices about where our dollars go? I've adjusted my giving quite a bit over the years, completely dropping some organizations I once thought were helpful, adding others I consider more worthy of my hard earned dollars, and give thought to what actions I can do besides just laying a few (or several) bucks down.

Whatcha think?

tempo_n_groove · May 2017

It's another way to grab your dollars. Do what you want and how you want, with your money.

brianlux · May 2017

tempo_n_groove said:

It's another way to grab your dollars. Do what you want and how you want, with your money.

I totally get what you're saying, tempo, and pretty much agree, but at the same time, some of the organizations that I am closest to (ones that I've looked at very carefully to ascertain are doing good work) are involved in this fund raising campaign and these are lesser known groups who very much need the funding to be able to continue doing their good work.

Wobbie · May 2017

I donate $$$ to a different organization every Monday....I just started this year....call it the Trump Effect.

I should probably do some more research but I'm pretty comfortable with who I've donated to so far.

brianlux · May 2017

Wobbie said:

I donate $$$ to a different organization every Monday....I just started this year....call it the Trump Effect.

I should probably do some more research but I'm pretty comfortable with who I've donated to so far.

Fantastic!

RogueStoner · May 2017

brianlux said:

I'm a bit curious as to what you all think of the relatively new annual event called the Big Day of Giving.

To me it's a bit like any other prescribed holiday or event. I don't particularly subscribe to the idea of having a set day to love someone, care for the planet, smoke a joint or give money to a cause. I do those kinds of things when inspired or motivated on my own.

But maybe I'm being too cynical. I mean, after all, this does seem to prompt people to be more giving. But then skeptical me thinks, how carefully do we make choices about where our dollars go? I've adjusted my giving quite a bit over the years, completely dropping some organizations I once thought were helpful, adding others I consider more worthy of my hard earned dollars, and give thought to what actions I can do besides just laying a few (or several) bucks down.

Whatcha think?

I didn't even think of this as a prescribed holiday, but you're right. I don't like the fact that some people have to be reminded or have a day set aside for them to donate. But then I think it's a good thing because it will bring awareness about the need for donations to people who may not have been taught to give. And it gives the charitable organizations a chance to let people know what the most dire needs are, be it donations or volunteering.
Me personally...I used to donate to certain organizations and still do, but I really enjoy being able to help people on a more intimate level. I'm more likely to hear of a needy family and raid our closets and pantry and deliver a surprise package to them directly. It allows me to pay forward all the kindness and generosity so many have shown me over the years.
Most important imo: Get kids involved and early!!!! Keep the cycle of love going!

brianlux · May 2017

RogueStoner said:

brianlux said:

I'm a bit curious as to what you all think of the relatively new annual event called the Big Day of Giving.

To me it's a bit like any other prescribed holiday or event. I don't particularly subscribe to the idea of having a set day to love someone, care for the planet, smoke a joint or give money to a cause. I do those kinds of things when inspired or motivated on my own.

But maybe I'm being too cynical. I mean, after all, this does seem to prompt people to be more giving. But then skeptical me thinks, how carefully do we make choices about where our dollars go? I've adjusted my giving quite a bit over the years, completely dropping some organizations I once thought were helpful, adding others I consider more worthy of my hard earned dollars, and give thought to what actions I can do besides just laying a few (or several) bucks down.

Whatcha think?

I didn't even think of this as a prescribed holiday, but you're right. I don't like the fact that some people have to be reminded or have a day set aside for them to donate. But then I think it's a good thing because it will bring awareness about the need for donations to people who may not have been taught to give. And it gives the charitable organizations a chance to let people know what the most dire needs are, be it donations or volunteering.
Me personally...I used to donate to certain organizations and still do, but I really enjoy being able to help people on a more intimate level. I'm more likely to hear of a needy family and raid our closets and pantry and deliver a surprise package to them directly. It allows me to pay forward all the kindness and generosity so many have shown me over the years.
Most important imo: Get kids involved and early!!!! Keep the cycle of love going!

Some fine words there, RogueStoner. Thanks!

RogueStoner · May 2017

brianlux said:

RogueStoner said:

brianlux said:

I'm a bit curious as to what you all think of the relatively new annual event called the Big Day of Giving.

To me it's a bit like any other prescribed holiday or event. I don't particularly subscribe to the idea of having a set day to love someone, care for the planet, smoke a joint or give money to a cause. I do those kinds of things when inspired or motivated on my own.

But maybe I'm being too cynical. I mean, after all, this does seem to prompt people to be more giving. But then skeptical me thinks, how carefully do we make choices about where our dollars go? I've adjusted my giving quite a bit over the years, completely dropping some organizations I once thought were helpful, adding others I consider more worthy of my hard earned dollars, and give thought to what actions I can do besides just laying a few (or several) bucks down.

Whatcha think?

I didn't even think of this as a prescribed holiday, but you're right. I don't like the fact that some people have to be reminded or have a day set aside for them to donate. But then I think it's a good thing because it will bring awareness about the need for donations to people who may not have been taught to give. And it gives the charitable organizations a chance to let people know what the most dire needs are, be it donations or volunteering.
Me personally...I used to donate to certain organizations and still do, but I really enjoy being able to help people on a more intimate level. I'm more likely to hear of a needy family and raid our closets and pantry and deliver a surprise package to them directly. It allows me to pay forward all the kindness and generosity so many have shown me over the years.
Most important imo: Get kids involved and early!!!! Keep the cycle of love going!

Some fine words there, RogueStoner. Thanks!

Thank you for posting about this. It's very close to my heart. I have very fond memories of my grandmother always, ALWAYS, helping others even though we were starving too (communism circa late 70's). This endless kindness and generosity, coming from a woman who had been imprisoned at Auschwitz at the tender age of 8. The memory of her ID number tattooed on her arm will stay with me forever. But so will the memory of her endless love and compassion. Even in the darkest moments, love and hope and kindness can and will survive. (I miss you so much, Grandma. You may not be with me physically, but I still love and miss you and feel you watching over me. I shall strive to live the best life I can, seek out the needy and do all I can to help, and teach my children the same...so that your legacy of kindness can live on forever and your suffering will not have gone in vain).

RogueStoner · May 2017

Damn. Now I could use a good cry. But a good cry.

brianlux · May 2017

RogueStoner said:

Damn. Now I could use a good cry. But a good cry.

Big Day of Giving

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