Why I’ll #GiveHope (not stuff) this year
My grandfather was a priest.
As far back as a I can recall, I remember him devoting his life to the wellbeing of others. He instilled in us a deep sense of servitude and responsibility for caring for those less fortunate, not just with thoughts and words, but also with action.
One Thanksgiving, he drove me to a food bank to drop off donations and visit with people in need. Another year, when he came into a small inheritance, he spent it on a out a full page ad in the New York Times, encouraging our government to treat the poor, the hungry, the mentally ill with more dignity and better financial support. He was a tireless champion of Habitat Humanity, a cause that remains close to my family’s heart.
He wasn’t just a priest; he was a saint.
So you might imagine how hopeless I felt following the election, when I confronted our new world order. Millions of people fear the loss of basic rights and protections, even as hate crimes and incidents of abuse climb along lines drawn by race, religion, nationality, gender, and sexual orientation. All of the causes he stood for face new threats. I felt defeated, powerless, without recourse.
But there’s a light at the end of this tunnel. Studies prove that the act of simply giving to someone else is a means for lifting your own spirits — not to mention, improving your health.
The best way to restore the hope in yourself is to give it to someone else.
That’s what #GiveHope is all about.
GiveHope.us screens the best charitable organizations, focused on the causes most at risk right now, on the front line of the fight to bring hope to our fellow Americans.
#GiveHope isn’t a big charity, just a growing group of Boston startup community leaders who felt compelled to do something.
It’s inclusive, not exclusive, embracing anyone around the globe who commits to giving as a means of protecting our basic rights and social services.
Take the pledge to #GiveHope (not stuff) this holiday season here.
Inspired by #GiveHope? Share your ❤ below.
