5 Philanthropic Ways to Celebrate this Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! It’s the day some people either dread or look forward to, and can trigger mixed of nostalgia or feelings. For us, Valentine’s Day is a day we don’t put too much emphasis on and we either do something small at home or go out to eat. However, it’s a day where LOVE gets advertised a lot in stores, online, and especially the LOVE between a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or significant other. Growing up, I rarely saw anything of Valentine’s Day being a day to celebrate one’s love between friends, for a parent/s, grandparent, for a furry pet or other.
Photography by: Audrey O’Donnell
Which is why I wanted to dedicate this blog to all the other ways in which Valentine’s Day can be celebrated and where you can share your love philanthropically.
Donate
If you don’t have any plans, do some self care! Clean out that closet or room and donate some of the items in good condition that you are not using. Someone else will find your donations as treasure!
Another idea is for you to personally make a donation to a cause you care about. A little donation (yes even $5 or $1!) can do a long way.
Volunteer
Take some time on Valentine’s Day to volunteer at a local church, animal shelter, homeless shelter or an after school tutoring program.
Fundraising
The cool thing about fundraising, is that you can start a fundraiser on social media. Facebook does a great job at this! Start a fundraiser to your favorite charity, or person in need.
Better yet, if you do go out to eat with your family or friends, why not find a restaurant that is giving back a little for every meal purchased?
Or even BETTER, if you are hosting a dinner at your place, gather some donations for charity. These three fundraising ideas can be easily incorporated into plans you may already have.
Our Galetine’s Day with some of the girls I love and cherish.
Photography by: Audrey O’Donnell
Shop for Cause
If you are doing some shopping online for Valentine’s Day, such as on Amazon, make sure you have enrolled into Amazon Smile. That way, each purchase is going to a cause you care about.
Practice Kindness
Have you ever been in a Starbucks line and when you get to the window someone had already bought you your coffee? Why not start the random acts of kindness chain!? Or just do something nice for someone such as smiling at a stranger, opening the door for the elderly, call up a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, etc.
Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, remember that on this day, it is NOT just for people who are in serious relationships. It’s also for families, pet-parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. Let’s change our perception of this day by creating these traditions every year.
Love you all and Happy Valentine’s Day!
