My friend Anna just sent me a link to a charity: Ardoch Youth Foundation who’s vision is to ensure every child and young person’s potential is realised through full participation in education.
For some children and families, the start of the school year is not just exciting and a bit daunting. For some, this time is filled with anxiety, worrying about how to afford the things they need to learn, to fit in and make friends, and to enjoy being at school. For some, this time marks the beginning of a pattern of school avoidance and disengagement that continues throughout life.
Imagine the kid who’s parents can’t afford school shoes, a school bag and books or shoes, or the kid who doesn’t have breakfast everyday.
Ardoch Youth Foundation have a gift catalogue full of items that you can buy for a child who will otherwise go without. Gifts start from as little as $25.
I especially liked the part of their website called The Starfish Story….
The Starfish Story – everyone can make a difference
Based on the writings of Loren Eiseley
One day at the beach we noticed someone picking up starfish that had been washed ashore at low tide.
One at a time he was throwing them back into the sea. When we asked why, he replied “If I don’t they’ll die from lack of oxygen.”
“But there are thousands of starfish on this beach and thousands more on other beaches, you can’t possibly make a difference,” we said.
Throwing another starfish back into the sea, he smiled and shouted jubilantly “Made a difference to that one!”
And one by one we all can.
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About charityspam
I love helping charities and not-for-profits. I am a fundraiser by day and a community do-gooder by night. I often get caught up in great charitable projects and fundraisers, of which I attempt to encourage (some call this spam) others to get involved - hence the name charityspam!
My background is in corporate social responsibility and marketing, and I work as a fundraiser/consultant for Social Money Solutions www.socialmoney.com.au
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Love the starfish story and love the work that this organisation does!
I always think about that starfish story when I am doubting if my efforts are effective – cynics will always say our efforts to improve this world and help others can not make any difference because the problems are just too big but, as the little boy in the story says, our efforts can make “all the difference in the world” for each person (starfish) whose life we touch.
Thanks Cassandra! Yes, it is such a simple story to remind us that we can and do make a difference. Much better to think this way, rather than be overwhelmed, throw your arms in the air and do nothing at all. I hadnt heard the starfish story and really like it!