Comments on: A Year of Giving

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:09:06 +0000

In reply to Serendipity Tess. Thank you Tess! Love hearing from others who put an emphasis on philanthropy. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy about the world. Good luck with supporting your favorite projects :)

By: Serendipity Tess

Serendipity Tess — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 23:00:42 +0000

I adored this post! What I love about you, is that you are not afraid to express your emotions and thoughts about a topic – doesn’t come across like a pat on the back type of post at all. Just genuine and heartfelt.
I’m very passionate about giving back to the communities I travel to – so much that I even have a Fundraising page dedicated to just that on my website. My initial romantic thought was to expose my readers to charities I’m passionate about in the hope they would help me fundraise along the way. I decided that I’m not placing any expectations to this aspect anymore – i’m just doing it for myself and if someone decides to contribute one day: bonus. Fact is: i genuinely care about these projects and donate to all charities I present. However small the amount – every little helps.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this 🙂

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:26:01 +0000

In reply to Sarah. You're too kind, Sarah. Looking at this comment section inspires me -- so many generous hearts!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:24:22 +0000

What a beautiful and thoughtful post. In a world where it seems everyone is just looking for the best way to advance their own profit, you take a courageous step towards independence of a different kind. Thank you for sharing, and for making the world a better place to live in.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:37:48 +0000

In reply to Bridget W.

The Messages Project sounds fascinating, Bridget — thanks for pointing me in that direction. I’ve donated to the Women’s Prison Association and think it’s a fascinating organization as well.

By: Bridget W

Bridget W — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:27:03 +0000

I tend to focus most of my giving (both of time and money) on children’s charities for various reasons. One of my favorites is called The Messages Project. (https://themessagesproject.org/) They film video messages from incarcerated parents and send them, along with picture books, to their children. The concept is incredibly simple and inexpensive, but has a huge impact on a child who hasn’t seen his/her parent in a very long time. It’s terrific “bang for the buck,” since the messages cost $15 or less to produce and ship.

When I set out traveling, I almost always fill the space in my suitcase with lightweight, inexpensive school supplies that I can leave behind when I get where I’m going. Inevitably, I fill that space with things I pick up along the way. Recently, my teenage son outgrew his hiking boots. They were less than a year old, so I brought them to Cusco, Peru where it was very easy to find them a good home.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 07:49:46 +0000

In reply to Rebekah. That is so lovely to hear Rebekah. Thank you for sharing! I have loved reading comments like this since this post was published :)

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:56:31 +0000

When I was in college I did a semester of college in volunteering in Romania. At the time I was committed to supporting the program after college and then “after college” turned into grad school and then china…. this post motivated to finally start contributing to that program. Thanks

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 05:46:04 +0000

In reply to Emma. Hey Emma, thanks so much for commenting -- love that you are considering the envelope idea for your daughters. If I ever have children, I will absolutely be doing the same.

By: Emma

Emma — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 04:27:30 +0000

Great post, I really enjoyed it. I think that giving or sharing something you have is very kind and always comes back somehow in life. The idea of the three envelopes is great, I will do it with my two daughters. Your article inspires me to donate more because I don’t donate as much as I should.