What do we love about helping out charities...
The feel-good factor? Check.
The warm and fuzzies of helping out those less fortunate? Check.
The making of new friends with similar interests and big hearts like you? Check.
If you've never done your bit for a charity, here are four cool places to start, 'cause as JT says: what goes around comes around.
CanTeen
Can you imagine what having an illness that makes you too sick to hang out with your friends would be like? It's easy to take things like that for granted sometimes, so do your bit for sick kids your age, and help CanTeen — the Australian organisation for young people living with cancer. Their signature fundraising event — and the one they need the most help for — is their National Bandana Day. You can help by registering to sell them at your school, work or sporting club. Go to
www.canteen.org.au for details.
The Red Cross
The Red Cross are
always in need of blood donations and if you're 16 or over and meet their criteria, you can help them out! Don't be scared of needles — just one lot of your blood could save someone's life. Now there's a thought. Grab your friends for support and do it together (and you'll get some free lollies and drinks for your time). For more info visit
www.redcross.org.au
The Salvation Army
It's so hot right now to scour second-hand clothing shops for unique fashion finds. But did you know that every time you donate your old threads, or buy pieces from op shops you're helping those in need (which could be people your age)? Organisations such as the Salvation Army rely on monies raised from the sale of old clothes to keep going. Oh, and giving your old rags to them also saves them ending up as landfill. Bonus! For more info, go to
www.salvosstores.salvos.org.au
The RSPCA
Hundreds of thousands of animals are dumped or neglected every year. And it's not just cats and dogs that are helped by the RSPC — it's all animals, from ducks hurt through hunting in the name of sport, to sheep and cattle being injured when exported alive. Help the RSPCA create a better quality of life for all animals by contacting your nearest shelter and volunteering your time. Go to
www.rspca.org.au
For more charities seeking volunteers near you, go to www.volunteersearch.gov.au