The word ‘charity’ means different things to different people, and is a word often bandied around in conversation. The definition of charity is the act of giving without expecting anything in return, but this innocent meaning seems to have got lost in translation somewhere down the line, with many charities now having to offer gifts in return for a donation, taking it down an altogether different route.

The fact is that there are currently thousands of charities throughout the UK who rely on public donations to carry out a whole host of good deeds behind the scenes that many of us are not even aware of. Many of these non profit organisations perform crucial roles in society by helping out the sick, the homeless, the vulnerable, both man and beast, and in today’s society they are more needed than ever.

These are undoubtedly tough times for charities and the news that the few who do receive government funding are going to have their funding slashed is even worse news for all concerned, especially those who run and/or manage charities. There have been various reasons given for these cuts, but they are of scant relief to those who now have to try and carry out the same standard of help as before but on a vastly reduced budget.

The worst case scenario is that they have to cease functioning altogether, meaning that all those they previously helped have to either go without or find someone else to help them out.  Charities are now being forced to having to cut costs whilst working to increase their profile to bring in more donations to cover their funding cuts, so it’s an altogether bleak outlook for UK charities at the moment.

One of the most vital works that charities carry out in is medical research, and some believe that those involved in this branch are some of the most important. Then again, what price can you put on the life of a child who is suffering neglect or torment? Then there are the animal charities and small local charities whose work is done quietly and without fuss but produce great results.

Donating to a charity should be for the right reasons, and many set up a monthly payment plan to a charity particularly close to their hearts. Other deposit their loose change into charity boxes and others go down the sponsorship route. It doesn’t matter how much you give you charity or in what way you give it, every little helps. There are many who give up their time as selfless volunteers who put in hours in charity shops etc, and contribution is as valuable in cash as without them these shops couldn’t function.

There are many who don’t make regular donations and instead wait for events such as Children in Need and Red Nose Day to roll around before making a donation. While these causes are obviously worthy, please try not to forget your local charities and help them out in any way that you can, and in love if not in money.