1% For Humanity
We usually rush through our busy lives, consuming our way through our existence. We have our eyes on a beautiful down Canada Goose jacket, or maybe it‘s that Vitamix blender we’ve been eyeing for a while. We are constantly upgrading. We go from our old car, to a better car, to an even better car. My old car was a 2001, and now I’m in a first-gen hybrid car with leather seats, satellite radio, a sunroof, and all the bells and whistles. My family upgraded from a small townhome to a much needed detached home with a decent backyard and room for our kids to play and grow.
We are the lucky ones, blessed, you could say. I won the cosmic lottery of life, been blessed with intelligence, good looks, life smarts, and migrating to a country where opportunity exists. Due to my particulars of life, I have everything I ever wanted and needed in life.
What did I do to deserve such luxury and wealth, such a loving family, such conditions for safety and security and no fear for my life? Nothing really. It was just gifted to me.
Wealth has exploded so much that a young man like me who migrated from a poor country can get married young, live independently, and we can even make ends meet without my wife working. That I could get so many bells and whistles on my car (used) for less than the price of a basic new car is one example of how technology that was limited only to the rich can now be afforded by the middle class.
If we are one of the lucky ones who are afforded this wealth, security, and good genes, we should not forget others who are not so lucky.
Give one percent.
If everyone gives just 1% to charity from their income, it can change the world.
If you earn $50k a year, give a minimum of $500. $100k, then $1000. Don't make any excuses. Don't think about it. It’s just one percent. Do it.
If you are looking for an efficient top-rated charity, that gives maximum bang for the buck, look no further than https://www.givewell.org/
They rate various charities that are able to save more lives and do more good for each dollar spent. I heard about it from William MackAskill. William MacAskill is a Scottish philosopher, ethicist, and one of the originators of the effective altruism movement.
For this year, I have decided to donate to Evidence Action’s Deworm the World Initiative which is one of the charities listed on Give Well.
“More than 835 million preschool- and school-age children are at risk of parasitic worm infection. This results in treatment coverage of over 280 million children a year, and costs on average less than USD $0.50 cents per child per treatment, with measurable improvements in health, economic and educational outcomes.”
There is also the Against Malaria Foundation that donate medicated mosquito nets and save thousands of lives. Or Give Directly that “transfers money to poor individuals allows them to purchase that which they believe will help them most. Strong evidence indicates that cash transfers lead recipients to spend more on their basic needs.”
Just a side note, if you are Canadian like myself, there are alternate means to donate to them so that you can receive a tax receipt. See their page here for details on how to donate in other countries.
Don’t let loans be an excuse. We all have debt. Don't let other pressing needs get in the way. 1% is a very tiny amount and there really is no excuse for this. Make it happen, and you will find the money will be there. Do it. Now.
There’s no god up there who will praise you and reward you with many virgins for making this sacrifice, but you will be doing your part for a better world. You will be improving the lot of those who aren't blessed with the same benefits you got in life.
I’m no millionaire, but I ain’t waiting until I am to start giving. I’ll do it now, and continue doing it until my life ends. Join me. Let’s make this world something we can be proud of.
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