Because this is Non-Profit awareness month, I thought I’d do something a bit different and tell you a little about my favourite not for profits. 
It’s not hard to see where my interests lie, I support NFPs that promote social justice and equality and that look after the more vulnerable people in society. That said, I think it’s really important to support organisations and causes that you feel strongly about. If everyone does that, hopefully all the organisations that help people, animals, the environment, or any other worthwhile cause will be able to keep on making the world a better place.
SANDBAG – The Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group is an organisation that’s been part of the North East Brisbane community for more than 22 years. They’re based in Sandgate, at the Sandgate Community Centre and also have an office in Bracken Ridge. They offer services to community members undergoing issues such as domestic violence, unemployment, social isolation, disabilities, mental health issues and crisis support, they also auspice several local groups and events.
Kiva – Kiva allows you to make microloans of $25 to a variety of borrowers around the world. It’s super easy to do, just choose a borrower, make the loan, get repaid and do it again (or I guess you could get your money back if you wanted). You can choose which borrowers you support to fit your interests, from specific regions or just pick someone randomly.
Amnesty International – “Amnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people committed to defending those who are denied justice or freedom.” I first became interested in Amnesty International when they did an awareness campaign in my primary school, but I didn’t do anything further apart from donate occasionally until a few years ago when I joined one of the local groups. Now days I can’t make it along to the group meetings anymore, but I am still a member and I take part in any actions that I can. If you’re interested in Amnesty, have a look at their website and sign up for email updates and you can take part in anything that aligns with your beliefs. You can find a group near you here.
Plan International – I’ve been a sponsor with Plan since 1992. I sponsored children for about 15 years and now I contribute monthly to the Children in Crisis fund which helps Plan respond immediately in times of crisis to support communities and help them rebuild and get back to normal. I’ve always believed that we all need to protect the people who are the most vulnerable and most of the time that’s children. Add to that a lack of basic sanitation facilities, food, a safe water supply nearby and limited educational opportunities and you have whole communities that can be helped enormously by helping them develop infrastructure and making education available.
NEWAS – NEWAS stands for North East Welcomes Asylum Seekers and is a group of people who welcome and support asylum seekers and refugees that live in the North Eastern suburbs of Brisbane. I don’t do a lot, but I do help them out with their website.
So those are the main groups that I support – there’s other causes such as heart disease & stroke, leukaemia and the Red Cross that I always try to donate to when I’m asked, but I don’t consider that to be regular support. What I’d really love though is for you to give a plug to your favourite cause/s in the comments…
