Charitable Giving This Season

[Stanbic IBTC team]

We all identify with the end of the year as the season for glad tidings, reflection, thanksgiving and gifting.

There are many ways to give. You can donate provisions, clothes and other amenities to orphanages and other non-profits. If you prefer to do this more directly, you can identify an individual or a family in need and donate to them.

Another way to be charitable is to volunteer your time or skills to a cause. It could be a Christmas party for the sick, or at a skill acquisition centre etc.

Giving is great but as with every other thing, it must be done right. There are some things you should bear in mind before you donate.

a. Make sure your resources are going to be used for the intended purpose: It is important to do some checks on the charities and NGOs that support your chosen cause(s). Ask questions from the recipients, check online for their profiles, and try to determine the integrity of the individuals who are in charge of these charities. Ask as many questions as you need to feel confident in them.

b. Support a cause that resonates with you: If you like children, you should think about supporting organisations that look after children's interests. This is important because you want to be satisfied and happy with your donation now and in the long run.

c. Share what you have in abundance: Always do what is within your means. Anything beyond that defeats the purpose.

You can donate regularly to your favourite charities by adding them as beneficiaries on Stanbic IBTC Bank’s internet banking platform and setting up direct debits to their accounts. The Nigerian Red Cross is listed as a biller on the platform so you can donate easily to them.

Remember there is nothing that is too little to give back. “If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing nothing for nobody.” ~ Malcolm Bane.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Do you have any more useful tips? Share with a comment below or reach out to us with any feedback on Twitter: @StanbicIBTC or Facebook: fb.com/StanbicIBTC