Detox Your Demons

Blind Week (October 28 to November 3) is the perfect opportunity for you to flex your selfless muscles! The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) works hard to give almost 12,000 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders the skills to do everyday things such as cooking dinner and surfing the net – all those things we take for granted! Only one-third of the Foundation’s $22 million operating budget comes from Government sources, so members rely on public for support for the other $15 million! Show your support for such a worthwhile cause by putting your hand up to be a volunteer collector this Blind Week – it’s as easy as donning a smile and a bucket! Click here to find out more.

 

 

Charities are not for profit organisations and they do their best to provide helpful services to those in need, however it's important to remember that they do of course rely on funding. If you're can't afford the time to volunteer try donating some money (no matter what amount). Donating to the RNZFB will help provide counselling services, guide dogs, adaptive technologies to allow communication and learning, and much more! You can support Blind Week by texting BLIND to 469 to donate $3 or calling 0900 425 463 to make an automatic $20 donation.
 

Dress for Success is a worldwide organisation that has offices in Auckland, Northland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch. It is all about helping women who come from low income (or no income) situations who want to get ahead, but are unfortunately stuck in the cycle of never been given a chance at employment because they dress for the all important ‘first visual impression.’ How can you help? By donating business clothes and accessories (like handbags/belts). So go on, you don’t need 10 suits in different shades of black and grey; give a couple to help a wonderful woman begin her career! Click here for more.

 

Fancy yourself a bit of an artist, know how to play a musical instrument, or cook a fantastic meal? Chances are someone out there would be grateful if you shared your talent with them. Perhaps you could go down to the community hall to paint with underprivileged children, teach a blind child how to play the piano, or cook once a month an at elderly persons home. Clickh here to find out what needs there are near you, but if you don’t find anything that matches your skills, just contact the organisation and I am sure they would be able to find someone who would love you to spend time with them.

 

Life is very self-focused these days. We go to work, the gym, we watch TV and movies for entertainment… It isn’t a bad thing, but generally we are pretty self-absorbed. Imagine a family members surprise when they receive a bunch of flowers from you, or a letter in the post (not by email) with some recent photos of family gatherings. Can you picture your friend’s smile when you turn up on their doorstep with a home baked cake and just to show how much you appreciate their friendship?! For Christmas this year try your best to work on some home-made creations rather than trawling the malls. It’s always great to receive something with a little extra thought behind it!