With the current situation as it stands with world emergencies, rising homelessness and the number of people around us suffering from poverty, there are endless ways we can collectively raise funds or contribute to those in need if we really put our minds to it.

Whether you choose to try and make a difference as an individual or as part of a group, as part of an ongoing project or a seasonal campaign – such as our winter appeal - the rewards of giving in Islam are still incredibly great.

Here are three great ideas on how you can do your bit for a good cause in 2018:

Sponsorship

An old classic, and possibly a great one for the thrill seekers out there, you can choose to take part in something that involves facing your fears and get everyone you know to sponsor you. Whether you choose to bungee jump off a cliff for charity or run a marathon, getting people to sponsor you for something you are not usually inclined to do can be a fun yet practical way to raising funds for a good cause.

Tip: if you have a reputation for talking too much, how about opting for a sponsored silence?

Clear Out / Auction

Are you a serial hoarder in denial? Do you find yourself buying things that you forgot you already had? Only to discover later on that you already had a brand new pair of gloves (with tags intact) nestling under the ever-growing pile of purchases in your room?

Well then, maybe it’s time for a clear out!

Hold an auction; be it for your closest family and friends, or, even better, your local community, trading your unwanted possessions for funds towards a good cause is an excellent way of giving something back. Not only will you feel a lot more organised without the additional clutter, but you will also feel good about yourself, too!

On a side note, auctioning something of value to you can also sometimes really put things into perspective; for example, take that designer handbag you are so attached to – what if you realised that the cost of that single handbag could feed five entire families for a whole year? Makes you think, doesn’t it? Who would have thought that what we actually spend on insignificant things could hold so much benefit for others?

Volunteer

Remembering that money isn’t the only way you can give something back is essential to helping others. Supporting those in need comes in many forms, including volunteering your time. Volunteering your time and working towards a common goal is also a key element in giving back whilst also encouraging unity amongst individuals. Contact your community group or local mosque and get helping.

Another great way of encouraging unity whilst raising funds is to organise local social events, such as a children’s fete or a bake-off – keeping it creative will keep your local peers entertained whilst presenting the perfect opportunity to help others, too.

Whichever way you decide to help out this year, may Allah SWT considerably reward all your efforts, both today and in the Hereafter. Ameen.

For more information on Islamic Help’s winter appeal, along with our other current projects and campaigns, browse our website here or give our team a call on 012 1446 5682.