Which Charity?

Ladies and Gents

I was just about to go online and order some charity christmas cards and I realised I really don't know who to support this year.

Everyone has been so badly hit by the "insert r word here" that all of the charities are in desperated need of help.

I usually like to help the likes of Simon Community and Focus Ireland, or Aware, but then this year there have been so many cut backs to Crumlin hospital that maybe I should be supporting them?

What charities do you normally support or will you be supporting this Christmas (if any)?

Joey the lips

Jack and Jill for the cards. If you new somebody requireing there assistance you would understand why,

Vincent de paul for money or clothes.

dublingal80

if i was sending out cards this year I would get cards from the Irish Cancer Society

(the reason im not is because my dad recently died from cancer and people said you never send out xmas cards the year that someone dies, which i now understand. Really dont want to be wishing all my friends a happy christmas when mine is going to be so awful)

Fink Goddie

Debra Ireland


Epidermolysis Bullosa -EB- is a distressing and painful genetic skin disorder causing skin layers and body linings to separate and blister at the slightest touch. Children born with EB have skin that is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly - and as easily damaged.
Just imagine ...


... imagine seeing your child in pain but not being able to give him the comfort of a cuddle for fear that your cuddle will cause more painful blisters to occur.

... imagine waking up every morning with new blisters caused just by turning over in bed.

... imagine tearing the skin in your throat when you swallow.

Nevyn

Any charity which has Yule cards or generic season's greetings will get my money.
Oxfam used to do them but alas no more

Malari

Don't really do christmas cards, but I would give something small to a cancer or heart disease charity usually if they are collecting at christmas. They are relevant to my family.

And clothes to st V de P.

Yes, Jack and Jill, Make a wish and Barrettstown are now in my head.

The reason I usually go for homlessness is because I feel it's something which can be overlooked, there can be a snobbery about it.

They all need our help this year though

BDR

Yea I think a charity for the homeless would be a good one to support, esp. this year.

The number of young people and families living on the street has risen.

Lia_lia

Fink Goddie wrote: »

Debra Ireland


Epidermolysis Bullosa -EB- is a distressing and painful genetic skin disorder causing skin layers and body linings to separate and blister at the slightest touch. Children born with EB have skin that is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly - and as easily damaged.

My cousin has that. Not the fully blown form, but still.

pow wow

I think their causes are all about as worthy as each other so it's your personal connection to it that swings it. Oxfam for me.

we'llallhavetea_old

is it terrible that i buy the glitteriest cards...........

kizzyr

I support Focus Ireland and buy my Christmas cards from them. They have a good selection and you can order directly from their website if you opt to support this charity.

we'llallhavetea

we'llallhavetea wrote: »

is it terrible that i buy the glitteriest cards...........

Of course not!

Debra Ireland are another good one. I know someone who died with EB

Yeh pow wow I think you're probably right to some degree, it is the personal thing that swings it but that still makes it hard!!!

My dad used to do the soup runs for the Simon Community and knows what homelessness does which is why I have always leaned towards them, I also had a friend who was homeless as a teenager because her dad abused her and her family refused to believe her. Depression has been in my family for years which is why I ran for aware this year. My aunt and uncle have died from cancer within the past year and my cousin has leukemia, one of my best friends mum is dying from lung cancer. Brain injury has affected me very much.

I could go on but this is getting depressing :pac:

Gauge

Jack and Jill are a charity that's close to my heart, so I'd always get mine from them.

CathyMoran

The Childrens Hospital and the Irish Cancer Society, oh and the Hospice...

It is hard not to choose based on personal experience...went to the Childrens Hospital a lot as a child so have always supported them, even down to my last penny...The Irish Cancer Society, have used thier services but everone is touched by cancer at some stage in their lives...Hospice, well in memory of a friend who died almost 2 years ago in their care.

acmj2007

There are so many worthwhile Charities it is so hard to pick
for my ARC Cancer Support Hospice & Jack and Jill, as these charities are close to my heart
I think it is a personal choice which you feel you would like to donate to;)

CathyMoran

CathyMoran wrote: »

The Childrens Hospital and the Irish Cancer Society, oh and the Hospice...

It is hard not to choose based on personal experience...went to the Childrens Hospital a lot as a child so have always supported them, even down to my last penny...The Irish Cancer Society, have used thier services but everone is touched by cancer at some stage in their lives...Hospice, well in memory of a friend who died almost 2 years ago in their care.

And the hospice - jesus I never even thought of the hospice - if it wasn't for them I don't know how my poor aunt would have gotten through her last months.

Maybe I should make a shortlist and do a draw :rolleyes:

sunnyside

Animal care charities for me but they are all in need this year.

justsomebloke

Given the time of year ISPCC and childline but not sure if they have cards

Will

http://www.barretstown.org/ Barretstown are brilliant, well worth donating some cash to

metrovelvet

What I would do is save your money on cards and postage and take that money and give it to a worthwhile charity. Then send everyone a nice Christmas email saying merry christmas and that you have given the money you would have spent on Christmas cards and postage to said charity. And you will also be saving on waste.

Joey the lips

metrovelvet wrote: »

What I would do is save your money on cards and postage and take that money and give it to a worthwhile charity. Then send everyone a nice Christmas email saying merry christmas and that you have given the money you would have spent on Christmas cards and postage to said charity. And you will also be saving on waste.

Why dont you just say your broke this year so wont be buying cards but will give a small donation to a worthy cause.

pikachucheeks

Irish Cancer Society, Asthma Society or Make a Wish Foundation.

All close to my heart.

dublingal80 wrote: »

(the reason im not is because my dad recently died from cancer and people said you never send out xmas cards the year that someone dies, which i now understand. Really dont want to be wishing all my friends a happy christmas when mine is going to be so awful)

Very sorry for your loss. Christmas can be a very hard time for many Always know that there are people who love you, care for you and will do anything to make sure you're OK and who will support you through difficult times.
You're never on your own.

metrovelvet

metrovelvet wrote: »

What I would do is save your money on cards and postage and take that money and give it to a worthwhile charity. Then send everyone a nice Christmas email saying merry christmas and that you have given the money you would have spent on Christmas cards and postage to said charity. And you will also be saving on waste.

I like sending cards!

Joey the lips wrote: »

Why dont you just say your broke this year so wont be buying cards but will give a small donation to a worthy cause.

see above :pac:

MistyCheese

It's very hard to decide isn't it? I always end up thinking "But X, Y and Z also need the money." I'm sure I can't be the only one who feels guilty when donating to charity, because I can't give the same to everyone!

St. Vincent de Paul would be one I would regularly volunteer with/give donations.

St James

CHRISTmas, notice that it only arises because of the birth of Christ.

Aid to Church in Need, a religious organisation supporting catholic clergy, both of the Roman and Eastern varieties.

All the cards are of nativity or nativity related scenes, not robins, deers etc.

very worthy cause and you may store up treasure in heaven through your donation!

chocgirl

I always tend to stick with The Irish Cancer Society, my Mum used to buy them when I was small too. Actually read somewhere that a higher proportion of the profits goes directly to the cause compared to other charities.

kizzyr

Deleted User wrote: »

And the hospice - jesus I never even thought of the hospice - if it wasn't for them I don't know how my poor aunt would have gotten through her last months.

Maybe I should make a shortlist and do a draw :rolleyes:

The hospice is a very worthy cause. I've had (unfortunately) some close family members die of cancer over the years and have always been impressed with and thankful for, the services and support provided by the hospice. I like the "light up a life" fundraiser they have at Christmas time where you can sponsor a light on their Christmas tree. I sponsor one for each of my relatives. You could check that out if you want and then buy your cards in support of another charity (if you want to and can afford to of course:):)).

Lollipops23

I'm a firm believer in supporting charities which you have a connection with. But there's a few charities I don't support on point of principle; for instance I try to steer clear of those who use chuggers or door to door folk as it costs them a fortune and I dissapprove of their tactics. I also don't support the Asthma Society,even though I have suffered from chronic asthma (hospitalised numerous times as a child). This is because they are useless, and have never campaigned to make it a recognised as a longterm illness, which it is for people like me.

However,I can't praise Temple Street enough, and give whenever I can to them. I also give to Trocaire. Other very worthwhile causes include CF Association, ISPCC and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland.

Sorry for the rant!Great thread,OP.

Special K

I don't send Christmas cards. I send my friends a text, or meet them over the holidays for a catch up. I think cards in general are a waste - birthday, good luck etc.

I agree that donating the money from cards and postage is a much worthier cause and idea, also reducing the waste.

Alternatively, I like to make my own cards for birthdays for special friends, but generally speaking, cards = BLEH.

Also OP I think it's up to yourself what Christmas cards to buy. I hardly think we can tell you what to buy.

Special K

Special K wrote: »

Also OP I think it's up to yourself what Christmas cards to buy. I hardly think we can tell you what to buy.

I didn't ask you what to tell me what to buy. I asked what charities you support both at christmas and other times. I hardly think I'm going to pick a charity because someone on boards asked me to :rolleyes:

Nightwish

I always support the Saplings Schools, which gives ABA education for children with autism, to equip them with skills to go to mainstream education. My sister works in one, and they are always fundraising, as they get very little funding from the Dept of Education. The kids who go there are amazing kids too. They would never ever be able to go to mainstream schools and live a relatively normal life, if it weren't for the life skills they are taught here. There are very limited places as education is on a one to one basis, so not every child who needs this kind of education gets it.

Xiney

I basically make my decision based on the designs of the cards and what charity cards are available in the shop when I decide to buy them.

I think last year I got the action breast cancer ones.


The vast majority of charities are worthy causes.

Buceph

There's a couple of charities I'll support;

Goal - Because they make sure that as much money as possible gets to who needs it. They're very vocal about what's needed, and are absolute in what they want to do. Good things for a charity.

St. V-de-P - Good local charity, helping the people who real need help and doing it in a practical way.

MSF - They go where they need to go without concerns for themselves. Provide what the worst off anywhere need to stay healthy.

RNLI - I know a good few people who volunteer and are always on call to go to sea, no matter the weather, and for anyone in trouble. They provide a service to anyone at sea, swimmers, kids in boats or fishermen, that the government could never manage. And I think they do the best Chrimbo cards.

Linguo

The Donkey Sanctuary have very cute cards and it's a free very cause! Some examples below, I buy their wrapping paper too lol! If you need a couple of packs of cards I'd do one pack for a 'human' charity and one for an animal one to be fair!

http://www.donkeyworld.org.uk/acatalog/info_2709.html

http://www.donkeyworld.org.uk/acatalog/info_3709.html

paperclip2

I'm making a donation to our local St Vincent de Paul and regional Alzheimer's Society. Trying to keep it all in the area this year.

Well a girl in work apparently does alot of fundraisers for the Children's sunshine home and they seem like a very good cause. So I think I'll buy those.

I'll also give food, chocolate etc to SVP as I do every year and the shoe boxes are already on their way to africa. I'll probably make a donation to the Simon community aswell.

It could really get you down thinking about all the people suffering this christmas

jenny2hat

To Write Love On Her Arms
and Bothar, I support them every year

LadyMayBelle

Connections with the hosice so this year I'll be buying their cards; I try to give locally where I can, and will be doinating St V de P who really do do trojan work. Internationally I make my shoebox gifts annually.

lfc86

I always go with the one that means the most 2 me , mine would be meningitis trust and down syndrome ireland, I dont really buy the cards but i still give them money every month

Lockstep

I used to be a fundraising officer for Suas; they'd have my vote.

I never got a chance to go abroad with them so can't comment on that but they do a lot of great work with disadvantaged kids through after school clubs and homework help etc.

http://www.suas.ie/

wicklori

They work in Dublin with homeless people; homeless children; teenage counselling service; food Centres; disabilities project; Housing Info and Migrant Info.

Don't always get the press they should-doing great work.

phasers

I always support the DSPCA, because I got my dog there and I think they do great work and with the amount of abandoned animals at christmas they need all the help they can get


And their Christmas cards are so cute