Charity Suggestions

[Loz]

Many years ago I made a pact with myself to always give a small percentage of my income to charity. I realised the other day I have fallen behind on that pledge. So, to get back on track I figure have about ?20 a month to allot to a charity.

At the moment my two main charities are Plan ('sponsoring' a child in Thailand) and St Mungo's homeless shelter. Plan because I loved Thailand when I was travelling and St Mungos because they had a very gender-neutral shelter policy (which was unusual in homeless shelters, as far as I could see).

Don't want any more children's charities, unless they are bit 'left field' in which case I will consider them. I don't like 'big' charities as a rule.

Any ideas?

[RosieH]

You probably already know about Kids Company, but I can't recommend it highly enough.

They work with inner-city London kids (and are really locally based, which from your post, I thought might interest you). They give vulnerable kids the educational, emotional and practical support to set them on the right path in life.

Living where we do, I can't think of a better use for your money.

[Moos]

I was going to suggest Kids Company too! Their work is inspiring.

[brum]

Here's a charity that's a bit left field, but for a topic that is close to my heart. And its London-based.

http://dansfundforburns.org/

[ClareC]

The Rainbow Centre does amazing work for children with Cerebral Palsy, my friend's son was born at 23 weeks and suffers with CP, he has been going to this centre for a number of years and although he is severely disabled, can now do a lot more than he ever could have acheived without this centre.

http://www.rainbowcentre.org/index.asp

[MsDulwich]

I too was going to suggest Kids Company. Camila Batmanghelidjh (Founder of Kids Company)and the team behind her do some really inspiring work in the borough (mainly Camberwell and the surrounding areas). 'Kids Company' turns around the lives of troubled inner-city children to help change their lives. Their work is truly inspiring.

[casper]

thks for informing me. just looked up the website and agree that it is inspiring and set up a direct debit!

[MsDulwich]

Brilliant Casper! I hope to follow suit soon and maybe mentor or offer my help to them in some way.

[PeckhamRose]

Asthma UK.

[PeckhamRose]

Oops, sorry - here's the link.

http://www.asthma.org.uk/

['bout now]

Loz, thanks for this thread, given me the nudge I needed.

[stevebailey]

LOZ - check out GAYE if you haven't already! It's not a club for Girls Aloud to perform at all the time but will come out of your salary at source so you'll actually pay less tax on your earnings!

Just an idea