A wise 15-year-old once wrote in her diary… ‘no one has ever become poor by giving.’*
After 30 plus years of child sponsorship, mainly in developing countries, my last sponsored child had turned 18. I decided to set my sights closer to home, and focus on the unseen, the unheralded, the ones whose photos were unlikely to adorn my desk at work. I also wanted to give back to the country of my birth and early childhood. I was born in Wellington and spent the first five years of my life in Trentham. We lived on Totara Street in Dolphin Square Flats.
My search led me to Age Concern.
After so many years of charitable involvement with some large well known charities as well as some grass roots charities, I felt I knew the ‘feel’ of a good charity even before I checked the numbers.
For instance, there are the intangibles. Some of which are…
- What do the recipients have to say about the charity?
- Do the executives and others involved seem focused and enthusiastic?
- Are my hard-earned dollars being used in a way that I personally would use them?
Age Concern checked every box and when I discovered a branch right in Wellington where I was born, well let’s just say my involvement seemed to be a foregone conclusion.
The programmes are all wonderful. They are benefitting Seniors, getting them outside for walks with their volunteers, getting them together to socialise at tea parties, and computer classes to name just a few. From Facebook, I can see them all having fun, looking fine…
I’m a senior myself and feel that with Age Concern, I have come full circle.
‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your hearts to give. For God loves a cheerful giver.’
I contribute a small amount monthly. A wise investment into the country of my birth and childhood can never go wrong.
Susan Llewellyn is one of our champion donors. As she lives in Canada, she has given Age Concern an international touch that we treasure. Her invaluable support, not to mention her encouragement, enables us to reach more seniors every day, and helps us to get a step closer to ending loneliness. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Susan!
If you would like to learn more about how you can become a champion donor like Susan, please visit www.acwellington.org.nz/donate/ or call us on 04 499 6648. Together, we are making a difference!
*quote by Anne Frank