After over a year of small monthly donations to the KWF (the Dutch cancer society) we are switching over to another charity organization, Hulphond (Dutch charity for service dogs). There are so many charities throughout the world, at times it is hard to pick one over the other (donations are also great gift ideas for the holidays). So, we do our best to spread the donations, at times we change charities per quarter and at times per year. The KWF was important to us because we have known many people throughout our lifetime with cancer, one of which, my husbands aunt. After watching her fight with breast cancer we wanted to do our part to help support others with cancer.
But now it's time to switch and coincidentally we ran into collectors who had spent the entire day outside of supermarket with a service dog drumming up new donators. Knowing someone first hand that uses a service dog helps us to see just what they're capable of doing. The woman we know is confined to wheelchair with little use of her hands. The service dog does everything from turning on the water in the sink to pressing the button at the crosswalk. It is quite amazing. When speaking to the collector we found out that some dogs can even peel a banana for their owners. And it's not just wheelchair bound people that need service dogs, the other day at the park we met a middle-aged man who went blind 3 yrs ago and now is dependent on his dog. This service dog gives this man a chance at living a normal life, at safely leaving the house, and also having a companion. Being a dog owner and seeing just how much they can do when trained properly, we see the double fold benefit of this charity, we're helping people and animals.
But now it's time to switch and coincidentally we ran into collectors who had spent the entire day outside of supermarket with a service dog drumming up new donators. Knowing someone first hand that uses a service dog helps us to see just what they're capable of doing. The woman we know is confined to wheelchair with little use of her hands. The service dog does everything from turning on the water in the sink to pressing the button at the crosswalk. It is quite amazing. When speaking to the collector we found out that some dogs can even peel a banana for their owners. And it's not just wheelchair bound people that need service dogs, the other day at the park we met a middle-aged man who went blind 3 yrs ago and now is dependent on his dog. This service dog gives this man a chance at living a normal life, at safely leaving the house, and also having a companion. Being a dog owner and seeing just how much they can do when trained properly, we see the double fold benefit of this charity, we're helping people and animals.
Do any of you support charities? Is it because of life experiences or just because you want to help out?
I do give to charities if I see a donation box in a shop. I think it is important we all donate something, even if it is a very small amount.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with The Weekend Blog Hop
Laura x x x
Found you via the link up! My husband spent some time doing missions in India and years later we still support that organization and keep in contact with the people there. Although I have never met them, I know they hold a special place in his heart. Hopefully someday I will be able to experience it too!
ReplyDeleteI have given to charities as I can. I also shop at thrift stores often that fund charities.
ReplyDeleteAs for working dogs, I am considering one myself as I am 95% deaf and could use one for every day help.
Nice to meet you.
Nice Post my friend, but this is a meme where we blog hop and put up videos in accordance to the theme of the day! Every other week is a freebie where you can put any music you like up. Try again next week if you like! THANKS!
ReplyDeleteOops, guess I missed that, guess I should have posted, We Are The World! Great charity single! :) Danica
DeleteGlad to hear so many of you support charities! :) Danica
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who do not know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!
ReplyDelete(And of course we will not stop our donations during this time period)
Nice! We support a similar charity in the U.S., Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. (www.guidedogs.com). It's a fantastic, mission-driven organization that helps so many people. We even adopted one of their "career change" yellow labrador puppies -- our first 'baby' and beloved member of our family for over 14 years (and we miss him so)!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to give him a new home for 14 yrs! :) Danica
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