The critical ingredient for any charitable organisation or cause is to develop an empathy with the donor. Empathy is the magical ingredient that drives us to take action.
It focuses our attention and our wallets on problems that we feel we may be able to help or solve or even simply makes us feel good about ourselves.
We have all been able to empathise with the residents of Christchurch, we may have family or friends and we can identify with causes when we see the world through their eyes.
Often I think when making a donation regardless of the amount: "I hope that I never require the services of this organisation but there for the grace of God none of us can predict the future and know what's around the corner."
When I walk past collectors outside the supermarket I feel embarrassed that I generally only have the plastic card with me. Perhaps it's guilt or having a recognisable face but I always get some cash out. Despite the fact I would hate to be thought of as a tight-fisted old coot, by and large these organisations are providing vital services in our communities and often filling the gaps.
I often wonder if I was really wealthy or was fortunate enough to win Lotto - how, what and to whom would I distribute my wealth? We all have personal preferences.
I know I raised my eyebrows when I saw how much money Gareth Morgan gave to return Happy Feet, the aptly named penguin, back to Antarctica. It's not necessarily how I would spend $10,000 but it's not my role to judge how wealthy people spend their money. Instead we should be thankful that they do.
Morgan and his wife donate millions to Unicef and support their investment by travelling to Third World countries to see the difference their money has made.
We have many philanthropists in New Zealand, admittedly not on the same scale as the United States, but nonetheless many individuals and family trusts that support the not-for-profit sector.
But philanthropy isn't exclusive to the rich. Philanthropy is defined as the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind by charitable aid or donations or in even simpler terms the love of humankind in general.
So it lies in all of us to be generous. The hundreds of volunteers involved in the clean-up after the Rena disaster are an example that time is as valuable as money. The well known and not so well known in our communities who volunteer their time and donate their money to keep the doors of organisations open for business are the heart of every community.
Giving is not measured simply by the amount but by the intention and the impact it has on improving others' lives. Our time and/or money is a worthy legacy.
Regardless of our personal wealth, I am reminded of the Carnegie quote that those who only give on their deathbed may fairly be thought to be men who would not have left anything at all, had they been able to take it with them.
