India celebrates the Joy of Giving
An unprecedented wave of benevolence is set to sweep across India for the upcoming Joy of Giving Week - a concept other countries might do well to adopt. Natalea Iskra reports.
Generosity is set to reach new heights in India during the Joy of Giving Week (September 27 to October 3). Billed as the largest charity event in the country, the nationwide initiative aims to engage people from all walks of life in charitable acts.
More than simply about encouraging donations to nonprofit organisations, the week seeks to promote and celebrate giving in all its forms. From volunteering time and skills through to simple gestures of kindness; from multi-million dollar mansions to the slums - extending a hand to someone less privileged is at the heart of this ambitious project.
The week was conceived by GiveIndia, a nonprofit organisation that facilitates donations to more than 200 screened charities throughout India. The initiative invites nonprofit organisations across the country to create their own fundraising event, and encourage supporters to fundraise and spread awareness about their work and cause.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the week is its focus on promoting altruism at a grassroots level. The 7 Days 7 Gifts initiative, for example, encourages people to give a gift a day, whether small or large, to a stranger or a friend, for seven days. Another initiative, Design for Giving, invites primary school students to generate ideas for social change, thereby instilling in children the belief that they can make a difference.
A number of corporate sponsors, including Google and eBay, have come on board to support the Joy of Giving Week, as have numerous celebrities.
The Joy of Giving Week will be held in the week of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. It also seeks to capitalise on the mood of Diwali, a prominent Hindu festival later in October which celebrates the "inner light" of humankind.
For more info: www.joyofgivingweek.org
Natalea Iskra is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Fundraising and Philanthropy Magazine
F&P edition: Agenda e-bulletin - August 2009
Written by Natalea Iskra
