For quite a while now, I’ve been thinking about how I can give back to the community through this blog.
I’ve been inspired by a local business, KLM Solicitors, which is an ardent supporter of the Red Rose Foundation and Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
With the end of financial year rapidly approaching, I did some sums and worked out 10% of my blog’s gross income, ready to donate it to a charity or not-for-profit.
Next step? Choosing which cause to support!
I’ve blogged once before about my dilemma when it comes to being charitable, but in the end it came down to two causes that I am passionate about:
- Women in need, particularly those at risk of homelessness;
- Rescuing kitties (because I *am* a crazy cat lady after all!).
How I Chose Which Cause to Support
After careful consideration, it seemed fitting that the funds raised by the Middle Aged Mama blog, should go towards supporting other middle aged mamas who are doing it tough.
In a way, it’s personal – not only do I know firsthand what it’s like to be in need – for example, receiving a charity Christmas hamper each year, and also experiencing homelessness as a teenager – I have also had close contact with middle aged women, who despite a lifetime of loving and caring for others, have found themselves without a home to call their own (you can read more in my post, Australia’s Invisible Homeless Women).
And much as I love kitties and hate seeing any abandoned or mistreated, the reality (sshhh don’t tell Miss Fleur!) is that people are more important than cats (and don’t worry, I will continue to support my favourite kitty charity The Cat Cuddle Cafe in other ways).
Choosing a Charity
With the cause decided, which charity was the next question that needed an answer. It seems there are many great organisations that are worthy of support!
I did think about donating to Share the Dignity (the group which runs “It’s in the Bag” each Christmas – collecting handbags full of personal hygiene products to go to women in need), as Miss 21 and I have supported their work in the past.
But in the end I asked somebody who had been through tough times, which organisation had been the most helpful during her hour of need.
And without hesitation, she said: DV Connect.
Why DV Connect?
DV Connect is Queensland’s only state-wide crisis telephone service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to anyone affected by domestic or family abuse. However this hotline is only the start of the services they provide.
As my contact explained:
“Their phone line is busy so you have to make many repeated calls to try to get through, but once you do they are fantastic. You are transferred to the nearest location and then a plethora of support is available for free (counselling for women and children, support groups, legal advice, court support and police support for DVOs, custody issues etc).”
She also explained that the organisation recognised that abuse comes in many forms, not just physical violence.
Tooting my own Horn?!
So why am I sharing this?
It’s not about tooting my own horn – rather, it’s about thanking you, the readers and supporters of the Middle Aged Mama blog – because YOU are the ones that are now supporting the great work that DV Connect does. Every time you visit, every time you comment, every time you read a sponsored post (ie one that I am paid for), every time you click on one of the advertisers and end up making a purchase – you are helping other middle aged mamas in need.
Words are a powerful weapon, and I like to think I use them for good here on Middle Aged Mama. But now, it’s time to put my money where my mouth is! If you too would like to donate to DV Connect, here’s the link.
Which charity do you support on a regular basis and why?!