It is that time of the year again, the countdown to Christmas has begun. Retailers stock their shelves with tempting goods and services, to help us choose the best Christmas gifts for our loved ones. We compare prices and shop around, so that we can spend less. Then enters the third sector; the charities, reminding us not to forget to support their cause, during the season of good will.
Most charities put up a compelling argument, as to why their cause is more deserving that other causes. Some of the arguments put forward includes donating to their cause will help them rescue more animals, save more children from neglect or provide that lifesaving water to a poor community in a developing country.
So, if you have a budget earmarked for a charity or charities this Christmas, which of the many charities in Birmingham should you give to?
Below is a list of charities either based in Birmingham or work exclusively in Birmingham. If you know of a local charity you think should be added to the list, please feel free to suggest it.
The Animal House Rescue – This is a small animal rescue charity, based at the aptly named Kintore Croft, in Birmingham. This small charity takes in unwanted, abused and abandoned animals. Some of the animal comes to them in rather poor health. Nurse such animals back to health, feeding them and finding a new home for them is costly. At the moment, the vet bill for The Animal House Rescue stands at almost £20,000.
Kindmos – It is said that most of us will have mental health issues at one stage or our life or the other. Those who are unlucky to have sever or prolonged mental health problems could find participating in the rest of the society challenging. This Kings Heath and Moseley based charity works for the social inclusion of people with a history of mental health issues.
Help Harry Help Others – HHHO is a cancer research charity with a difference. Unlike most charities, which tends to be founded by adults, HHHO was launched by a Birmingham young boy; Harry Moseley. He was described by some sector of the press as ‘Britain’s kindest kid’
Bringing Hope – This brilliant charity work with people who have been involved in serious crime and their family. They work in the community and prisons. Their work, which includes the families of the people they work with help give people a second chance at becoming a valuable member of the society.
Birmingham Homeless Outreach – Base in Fletchers walk, homeless outreach goes out into the communities in Birmingham to help homeless people. Their work includes helping the homeless with basic human comfort items such as a hot meal.
Sifa Fireside Birmingham – Staying health when you are homeless can be difficult. Being included in the society can be even more difficult. Sifa Fireside works for the health of social inclusion of homeless people.
Birmingham LGBT – What this charity does is succinctly summed up in their mission statement : Our vision is a vibrant, diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in Birmingham, in which individuals can realise their full potential and have equal access to what the city has to offer.
This article was contributed to Grapevine by Temi Odurinde, a trustee of Hope Spring Water charity, a West Midlands based water poverty alleviation charity.