We Give, Who Else Should Give?
One of my favorite bumper stickers reads, “It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the air force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.” I believe it illustrates the ridiculous balance the government has struck when it comes to our money. While changing the government may be an incrementally slow process, Americans have tried to even that balance with their own giving.
In 2007 (most recent data), Americans gave over $295 million to charitable donations. That’s over three times what the French (next on the list) gave. About a third of this money went to houses of worship, and the rest going to secular activities, such as education, health and social welfare. If nothing else, I think this proves we do want to make the world a better place.
Since the people are giving, isn’t right to expect the same from the businesses we support? If businesses expect our support, then shouldn’t we expect the same from businesses? Now there is a way to demand that support. Fivepercentback.org allows businesses to donate 5% of profits to a charity or non-profit of your choice. Is the local business you support signed up? Shouldn’t they be?
You have the ability to support organizations that represent environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyle choices, social efforts and more. The program is a shining example of businesses and customers partnering to make this a better world in which to live. Go to www.fivepercentback.org to see if a business you frequent is signed up or to check out some of the charities supported by the program.
