Give away more money

Give away more money - You will become richer! Charity To Assist Growth. By Ronn Torossian

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or donations can often be seen as window-dressing, but if done right, corporate (and personal) responsibility encompasses giving and the highest form of fulfillment. Earning my living helping corporations (and individuals) utilize the media and public forums to build their brand, we are often asked if certain charitable initiatives will help companies make more, or be portrayed better and my professional answer is always – Only if you are dedicated to it and really believe in it.

Other than the divine blessing and requirements of donations (tithing), we also merit many business realizations from giving to charity. In his book “Giving”, former President Bill Clinton tells of an African tribe he encountered as a result of his “Clinton Foundation”, that has a unique way of greeting each other. When someone says ‘hello’ the other greets him with “I see you.” It’s a powerful message in a world where differences are usually quite visible. Clinton testifies on his amazement with the amount of individuals and business alike that share so many causes and are actively contributing to organizations, NGOs, and charities.

To “win” at corporate responsibility and giving requires dedication. Celebrities, who walk around hospitals one-time, attend fundraising events for NGOs or make a public donation without sincerity can often be seen, with good reason as insincere. I don’t rule out the possibility that some play the game in a very strategic and bleak approach to the issue of giving. But it shouldn’t undermine those individuals, businesses and “even” corporations who are devoted to a larger goal than their own sales and profits.

I was raised in a home where giving wasn’t an option – it was a requirement, whether your money, time, attention or thoughts. For me they are part of a holy, higher value and I believe all people should give, regardless of how much or how little they have. The almighty rests his blessing on those who give, and certain “karma” if you will, shines your life and interactions with people.

Charitable donations raise a company (and individuals’) self image and self awareness. Helping and giving makes you feel good, and more focused on your purpose in the sector or your role. It allows organizations (and people) to be balanced and focused, and lessons jealously, allowing you to feel accomplished and focused on earning even more.

Yet another business benefit is the amazing people you meet at non-profit organizations you care about – you meet people who care about issues similar to you, and as you develop a bond over time, naturally you can make life-long friends, and also naturally beneficial business relationships. (And some of the people you meet through charities can be completely inaccessible in the “real world” but can be reached via the charity you devote your time and effort to).

These people can even evolve into your biggest clients as they did for me. Am certainly not saying to join, or get involved in CSR for business relationships – Join if you believe in and want to help the cause… but of course always expand your network.

Here are some initiatives to consider:

Social Responsibility acts: Whether an individual or major corporation, engage in corporate good. Your employees might very much identify with a list of causes that they and you can embark around the neighborhood you work from, or individual causes. Match donations, or offer time to causes. Can even allow corporations to be rallied as a team around a cause, which becomes useful for corporate morale.

NGOs and Dinners: Beside the obvious goals met when you attend a dinner and the objectives it fulfills with your contribution, you get to meet very interesting people who share the notion that our common humanity is vital. That is your evening and opportunity to mingle, bond, and make new connections. The cause can set the basis for self-reflection and encouragement to support the benefit you attended.

Programs: This is where unique resources come to place. Participate in programs where you can make a difference. PR firms of course can assist in media work, restaurants with food, and the like. Promote the cause like you’d help a loved one.

There are many ways and means to give. The initial act is the most important and ultimate fulfillment that you will gain, and remember that it is never too late to start – Just do it. Give the money away, the blessings of every kind will be returned to you in many multiples. That’s a personal and Public Relations guarantee.

Ronn Torossian is president and CEO of 5WPR, one of the 20 largest independent PR agencies in the U.S. Named to the “40 under 40” list of PR Week & Advertising Age, Ronn Torossian was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and may be reached at Rtorossian@5wpr.com and followed on twitter @rtorossian5wpr

Colel Chabad / Orphans & Widows

Help an orphan in Israel Colel Chabad is the oldest continuously operating Tzedakah organization in Israel. It was established in 1788 by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. Colel Chabad is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Orphans & Widows Today Colel Chabad remains the only organization in Israel that has an entire division dedicated to widows and their children. Our approach is holistic -- taking into account both the material and emotional needs of hundreds of orphaned families. For the most urgent cases, Colel Chabad provides total family care. This means food, clothing and social services for 293 widows and more than 620 children annually. Material want is only part of the challenges that confront the families of widows and orphans. Indeed, at times, money is not the problem. The greatest challenges facing a widowed mother are:

1. The educational and emotional issues of their children; 
2. The ability to find and hold down a job; 
3. Coping with never-ending, 24/7 responsibilities.

Under the directorship of the renowned professor Dr. Amrom Blau, Colel Chabad offers a holistic approach that is designed to keep widowed families from fraying and falling apart.

Accordingly, Colel Chabad provides tutors for over 800 children; monthly ‘in loco parentis' contact with every orphan's teachers; social workers who monitor the domestic situation of each family; regular physical testing of each child, and monthly and semi-annual progress reports.

As needed, Colel Chabad provides widows and orphans with:

Cash grants, regular food deliveries, holiday clothing vouchers, interest-free loans, Career counseling and retraining, big brother/sister, psychological support, educational evaluations, youth clubs, music lessons, and driving lessons when a license is needed for employment.

DONATE NOW (Count me in!)

Children's Day 2010

CIAM - (2009)

Making a happy reality on "Children's Day"

Here in Brazil we will have the Children's Day on 12 October. We all buy toys as gifts for our own children and others. I think that's great.

It is also customary to many businesses, persons, organizations and NGOs  to donate toys to children living in precarious socio-economic conditions, aid organizations, orphanages, to sick in hospitals, poor comunities and more.

The Love
But all these toys can not replace the more important: the love.

Many children needed more brotherly-love, than toys.. They need loving most of your visit, than what your toy gift.

We have to meet them personally visiting where they are, bring a smile there, an idea to play with them, an interesting activity, games, rides. We need making more during the Children's Day.

But do not forget: Try to do more throughout the year, until the next  "Children's Day".
Let us make the kids believe they can count on that happy day ever, every day, every year.

Make them know they can count on happy days in the future, not only in the "Children's Day."

Adelle.

Relief Center In Israel - Meir Panim

Mission
Meir Panim’s mission is to prevent poverty, distress and dependence on governmental aid or charity, and to build self-esteem and independence amongst needy populations in Israel. Meir Panim is the largest conduit of its kind, dispensing vital food and social service programs to those who need it most. Our commitment is to the people of Israel and under no circumstances do we discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or religious observance.

For nearly a decade, Meir Panim has been steadfast in its dedication to the needy of Israel. Meir Panim's dynamic programs reach out to all victims of poverty - young and old alike - restoring hope into the lives of thousands each day. Meir Panim aims to be not only a provider of food and social service programs to those who need it most, but a symbol of strength to meet the daily challenges of the impoverished of Israel.

MEIR PANIM - Numbers and data 3,000 Devoted, responsible, regular volunteers representing all shades of Israeli society give of their time, energy and talents, enabling Meir Panim and POG to continue their ongoing work. 5,000 Alternating volunteers each year from delegations from abroad and youth groups. 14 Elegant restaurants are situated in the centers of towns, and serve hot, nourishing meals each day, with 3 courses at every meal. List of Branches: Jerusalem, Tzfat, Dimonah, Sderot, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Arba, Haifa, Akko, Chatzor, Tiberias, Or Akiva, Be\'er Sheva. 2,400 Guests eat each day in the restaurant chain. 1,200 Meals on Wheels are delivered each day to elderly and handicapped people who are homebound and cannot go to the restaurants. The shipping is handled by volunteers. 5,000 Hot Meals are distributed each day to children of underprivileged families who study in long school-day programs in playgroups, schools, and welfare clubs. 5,000 Food cards are distributed to elderly Holocaust survivors throughout Israel prior to the Holidays (Rosh Hashana & Passover). 30,000 Hot meals will be distributed to children in educational institutions in towns in the Negev each day, starting from the 2010 academic year, through the "Food Factory for Negev Children" program. 800 Food cards are distributed every weekend to underprivileged families in Kiryat Malachi. 8 Welfare Clubs are run in Meir Panim branches during the afternoon hours in cooperation with the Bnai Akiva, Ezra and Hatzofim youth movements. The clubs are run by professional teachers and provide academic reinforcement as well as meals and enrichment. They are accompanied by special parenting schools. The clubs function in the following locations: Acco, Hatzor, Kiryat Gat, Tiberias, Or Akiva and Safed . 3 Clubs for the elderly are run in Meir Panim branches during the morning hours, in the following cities: Acco, Kiryat Arba and Tzfat. The participants enjoy cultural activities such as art, sudy of the Hebrew language and lectures, as well as a hot lunch. 64 Handicapped and emotionally disabled people are currently integrated in rehabilitative work programs in Meir Panim kitchens, in Kiryat Malachi, Dimona and Acco. They assist in preparing and packaging food, and receive a symbolic salary in exchange for their work. The Food Factory for Negev Children will integrate another 150 rehabilitation patients. Can you help? Click here to donate

SOS Children's Villages

Village in Pondicherry is home to 142 children - Photo: D. Sansoni

Since its founding in 1949, SOS Children's Villages has expanded to 500 villages in 132 countries. We are currently raising over 80,000 children in our villages and through our many education, family strengthening, medical, and outreach programs impact the lives of over 1 million people each year.

Children who have been abandoned or orphaned come to SOS Children's Villages where they are integrated into a loving family environment. They are nurtured and supported by an SOS Mother and up to 15 other children in their SOS home who become their SOS brothers and sisters. Strong bonds develop within these "SOS families", and even after the children are grown and leave the village, these family relationships endure.

We build families for children in need
We work for children who are orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. We give these children the opportunity to build lasting relationships within an SOS family.

The family approach in the SOS Children's Village is based on four principles:
1) Each child needs a mother
2) Each child grows up most naturally with brothers and sisters
3) Each child grows up in their own house
4) Each child grows up within a supportive village environment

Waits to Donate
SOS provides loving homes to orphans in 132 countries. You may specify a country or allow SOS to select the area of greatest need. When you sponsor an SOS child, you provide meals, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education to a child who has lost everything. For just $1 per day you can change a child's life forever.