HELP A STRANGER

1. Help a stranger and make their day: According to the World Giving Index 2018, 63% of people in the UK helped a stranger last year. Why not carry on the trend and hold a door open, give up your seat on the train or just smile for someone you don’t know?
2. Teach your kids about giving: Get your children involved by talking to them about the importance of giving. Giving unwanted toys to those less fortunate, smiling at someone on the street, holding doors open for people or visiting a sick relative is still charity because it warms someone’s heart.
3. Donate blankets, gloves, coats etc.: Spare a thought for those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation. Use our charity search to donate to a homeless charity near you.
4. Be a bobble hat hero: Encourage your children to come to school wearing their favourite bobble hat and raise money to make a difference for other young people.
5. Support a toy box scheme: Not every child has toys or games, so buying an extra toy for a toy box scheme such as KidsOut can go a long way to putting a smile on someone’s face.

GIVE YOUR TIME

• Donate blood: Donating blood regularly – or even as a one-off – is a great way to ensure that you’re giving back to those who need it. By giving blood, every donor is contributing to a nationwide challenge to provide life-saving products whenever and wherever they are needed.
• Volunteer your time in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter

Charities really appreciate volunteers and there are likely to be organisations in your community that could use an extra pair of helping hands. It’s a great way to meet new people and develop skills to use at work or university.

Start thinking about volunteering

• Take part in a charity run: Completing a charity run is a great social event which can make you feel great while helping a cause close to your heart. It also gives you an excuse to tuck into some goodies as a reward.
• Get involved with Decembeard: Men – why not ditch your routine and grow a beard for charity? You can spend the time you’d normally spend shaving to do a good deed for someone.
• Sell or donate your unwanted gifts: If you receive unwanted presents, why not spend some time selling them on eBay, Amazon or Gumtree and donate the proceeds to the charity of your choice. Use our charity search for inspiration.

ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GIVE

• Shout loud on social media: Share one of our quirky Facebook wall posts to raise awareness for a cause close to your heart. It’s a free and easy way to support a charity at any time of year.
• Hold a fancy dress day, or a dress down day: Have a dress down day, or a themed fancy dress day, at work and charge your colleagues to get involved.
• Hold a raffle for charity: If you’ve got chocolates or biscuits leftover from a party, why not raffle them – and other unwanted goodies – for charity? You can pool your money while you decide who to donate to.
• Tell your employer about the Igala Nurses & Midwives Association
• Organise a charity shop Secret Santa: Rather than buying your annual Secret Santa present from a high street shop, agree to buy your gifts from a charity shop. Your favourite causes will benefit and you’ll receive an unusual and unique present!

Don’t forget to let us know what you got!

• Encourage your employer to develop a charity partnership for 2019: If your employer isn’t already partnered with a charity, speak to your CSR or HR colleagues about getting involved. Let them know that they can contact one of our expert advisers for help.

GIVE MONEY

• Support national giving days such as #givingtuesday

Join us again to celebrate all that’s good about giving. Whether you’re an individual, a company or a charity, there are plenty of ways to get involved in national events throughout the year.

Get involved with #givingtuesday

• Donate money: Give a gift that makes a difference by donating to your favourite cause by credit or debit card, PayPal or CAF Charity Account. UK taxpayers can add an extra 25p for every £1 you donate through Gift Aid.

Donate now

• Sign up for payroll giving in 2019: If your employer offers a payroll giving scheme, such as CAF Give As You Earn, you can donate from your pre-tax salary and benefit from the full income tax relief.

Get started with payroll giving

• Think global on International Human Solidarity Day: Every December, the United Nations General Assembly encourages people around the world to think about the value of human solidarity. Why not donate to an overseas charity?
• Throw an office party for charity: Throw an office party and encourage everyone to contribute. Send round a donation tin to collect donations for your favourite cause and encourage your employer to match your contributions.

Get started with matched giving

MAKE MORE OF YOUR MONEY

• Shop Fairtrade: Help support artists in developing countries by buying Fairtrade presents. You’re sure to be able to find something unique for those closest to you.
• Give as you shop: If you’re avoiding the busy high streets and doing your shopping online, sign up to a retail website which donates to charity every time you shop with them.

Shop with Just Taste It Kitchen

• Send charity Christmas cards: Double your charitable giving by sending a charity Christmas card. Look in your local charity shop or on your favourite charity’s website for their range of cards.