Navigating my way through the mire of holiday consumerism, I’m struck by a thought: why is it that only once a year advertisers and the media focus on the idea of giving to others in need?
Think: “Drop off a new, unused toy to (insert store name here) during December for those in need.”
Do they really think that people who don’t have enough food to eat or clothes to wear suffer these indignities only in December?
Surely not. So why do they put all their efforts into hyping charity during the holiday season?
Our culture has forgotten that if you take away the “i” in holiday and substitute it for another “y,” you get “holy day.”
It’s not about which holiday — or holy day — each of us celebrates.
It’s about remembering that there are people every single day of the year that need help.
If only advertisers and the media used their powers for good to promote campaigns such as food, clothing and toy drives each and every month, the world would be a better place. Time to make a resolution.
My personal New Year’s resolution is to give on a weekly basis. Or maybe even daily.
Remember, giving doesn’t just mean giving money. It also means giving of your time to volunteer at a food bank.
Or, gather unused clothes to deliver to a homeless shelter. Or, ask a sick friend if they need a ride to a doctor’s appointment.
There are lots of synonyms for charity. Social conscience is one of them.
So is benevolence, which is defined as “goodwill toward or love of humanity, and generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering.”
Okay, here’s an exercise for you. Can you pick out the salient words in those two definitions?
Let me give you a hint: “social conscience,” “love of humanity,” “needy” and “suffering.”
News flash: These concepts are not constrained by time or place.
They exist 365 days a year. That’s why our society, which is endowed with an embarrassment of riches, ought to broaden its concept of charity.
Visiting the sick is an act of benevolence. So is offering to grocery shop for an elderly neighbour.
Shoveling the snow from a neighbour’s walkway shows a love of humanity. Buying a hot chocolate for a homeless person is an act of social conscience.
There are infinite ways to give and do charity. You just have to want to.
One thing is certain; we will all get old. And many of us may need help from others.
So, why not get into the habit of helping others now. Maybe your acts of kindness and charity will inspire your kids and grandkids, friends and co-workers.
One can only hope.
Shelley Civkin is a retired communications officer with the Richmond Public Library
