As practitioners the passion to help others is already part of our innate nature and charity work is a wonderful avenue in which to nurture these personal values and ethical beliefs. 

In this day and age, however, it can be hard to find time to do charity work in-between day to day obligations of a busy life and thriving business. Donating time or resources to a cause you believe in is worth the effort as it not only benefits the charities themselves, but can also be deeply rewarding for you too.

Arthur Brooks, a non-profit economist found that people who give, may it be time or money reported to be healthier and happier than those who don’t.² Similarly in a special report published by Harvard Health Publications, the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness were recorded showing a 7% increase in happiness amongst those who volunteer monthly, 12% increase for those who volunteer fortnightly and 16% increase for weekly do-gooders.³ These are just some examples of the many studies which demonstrate the value of charity work.

When questioning your own thought about why charity work is important, the most compelling reasons should be to assist those less fortunate than you. Charitable work enables you to empower individuals, transform lives as well as build resilient and inclusive communities in which we can all flourish. Charity work is also a great way to expand your network, social skills, make new friends in your field and also give you some experience in an area of interest.

Types of charitable activities you may want to participate in include:

• Donate money or resources such as supplements to a non-profit organisation or clinic
• Donate non-perishable healthy food to a food bank
• Collect unused herbal & nutritional supplements as well as topical cosmetics that are still in-date for donation
• Help deliver healthy nutritious meals to patients in your local hospital
• Write articles / give speech / share awareness on social media advocating charities, NGOs, charitable opportunities or volunteer work
• Have one day a month with an offer for donation based consultations and/or supplements
• Work with local health departments offering nutritional/naturopathic advice or consultation
• Volunteer on a program with an organisation (some listed below) which take on naturopaths & nutritionist both domestic and internationally
• Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank

Some examples of charities and organisations that you can work with are:

• Exousia - https://exousia.org.au/
• Hands on Health - http://hoha.org.au/
• Naturopaths without Borders - http://www.nwb.ngo/
• Herbalists without Borders - http://herbalistswithoutborders.weebly.com/
• Vitamin Angels - https://www.vitaminangels.org/
• Profke Clinics – http://clinics.sailingvanuatu.com/
• Leichardt Womens centre - http://www.lwchc.org.au/
• Involvement Volunteers International - https://www.volunteering.org.au/
• The Big Feed - http://www.thebigfeed.com.au/
• HOPE collective - https://hopecollective.org/pages/fundraise-with-hope
• Oxfam - https://www.oxfam.org.au/

Depending on the type of charity work you decide to do some things you might want to consider are:

• Do I have an association membership & number?
• Is my professional indemnity insurance up to date?
• Do I have a Working with Children certificate?
• Do I have a recent Police Check?
• Are the supplements or foods being donated within best before/expiration?
• Are there any personal risks involved?
• Is the donation Tax Deductable?
• Are there any associated fees or expenses I need to pay?
• Do I have adequate skills & clinical experience for what is required?

Kind intentions are the glue which connects individuals to societal wellbeing and the wider community. Doing things for others – whether regular volunteering or small, unplanned acts - give yourself and the charities of your choice a reason to smile.

References

1. Tabassum F, Mohan J, Smith P. Association of volunteering with mental well-being: a lifecourse analysis of a national population-based longitudinal study in the UK. BMJ Open 2016;6:doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011327
2. Brooks, A.C. J Econ Finan (2007). Does giving make us prosperous?.Journal of Economics and finance.31: 403. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885730
3. Harvard Publishing (2014). Simple Changes, Big Reward: A practical, easy guide for healthy,happy living – Harvard Health [online] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/simple-changes-big-rewards-a-practical-easy-guide-for-healthy-happy-living [Accesed 21 May 2018]