Over the weekend, the price of a 450g loaf of bread rose to Rs. 300, with the All-Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association saying this was due to wheat flour increasing in price. Regardless of the reason, this increase in price makes something as necessary and vital as a daily meal even more unaffordable to many in the country.
Living in Sri Lanka, you cannot avoid being exposed to the hardships and difficulties people are facing. Streets are lined with those selling whatever they can to make however much they can. People sit in the hot sun, pleading for food or money. People are in need of help, and as much as we may want to help them, our capacity for charity isn’t increasing. As our own cost of living increases and salaries stay the same for the most part, our ability to donate to worthy causes or part with some cash or food when we encounter someone less fortunate is negatively impacted.
According to Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which is based in the UK, 86% of charities are worried about the impact rising cost of living is having on people who rely on their services, while 71% of charity leaders are worried about managing an increase in demand for their services.
“At the same time, nearly three in five (59%) charity leaders are concerned about people having less money to donate to their cause. As a result, a third of charity leaders (35%) are worried about their organisation struggling to survive,” CAF stated.
A CAF poll among the public also found that 14% of people planned to cut back on charity donations in the next six months to help manage their bills.
Given the state of the country, as well as the world, International Day of Charity is more important than ever. According to the United Nations (UN), 5 September was chosen as the International Day of Charity in commemoration of the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace”.
Mother Teresa is praised for dedicating her life to helping the destitute in India, and she has won several awards and distinctions. On 5 September 1997, she passed away at 87 years of age. Thus, in recognition of her efforts, as well as the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering, 5 September was declared International Day of Charity.
According to the UN, charity provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. It can supplement public services in healthcare, education, housing, and child protection.
“It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations,” the UN stated, adding that the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development recognises that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.
The importance of charity has been highlighted for decades, as people are urged to donate to various causes. On a personal level, we may donate to charity not just out of a sense of morality and ethics, but also due to faith and religion, and our belief in specific causes. Our personal experiences with charity, such as the sense of satisfaction and fulfilment we get, for instance, may also motivate us to continue our efforts.
Our families may also influence us, as we are likely to grow up in an environment where giving to the less privileged is just part of life.
When talking about charity, we cannot ignore the tendency, especially on social media, to call out people for enjoying life and living in their own little bubble as the rest of the community goes hungry. However, charity cannot be forced on people, and it is not a this or that situation, where people must either help others or enjoy a night out with friends.
It is also more important and beneficial to others to reflect on ourselves and do what we can to help others, instead of pointing fingers and making assumptions. Thus, on International Day of Charity, we can do what we can within our means, whether we provide a meal to someone or donate to a worthy cause.
