Entries about charity

Much of my volunteering in the last month was centred around Christmas, be it Christmas crafts, party bags or throwing a party for the kids. As I walked around Huanchaco this week I kept bumping into kids from school and NAFE who were queuing to receive a present from some organisation or other, or go to a Chocolatada (hot chocolate and panettone party).

I realised that many of these kids had received 3 or 4 presents and been to at least the same number of Chocolatadas in the run up to Christmas.

It's lovely, it really is. Everyone loves a party and who says no to a present?! But I am struck by just how many companies come out of the woodwork to do something nice for the kids at Christmas, when all year round, many of these kids don't have food every day, enough money to go to school, and hardly any have running water.

I know it's not as fun, but what about giving school supplies? Food for the family? Collecting the money to pay for clean water?

I would hate to deny these kids the joy of celebrating Christmas, it's not my place to and I also gave the kids a party and presents. Just imagine though, what if they got one present and party but could also afford to go to school? Imagine how many Christmas presents they might have one day if they have an education.

I don't how to redress the balance but it does seem necessary to me that organisations don't just think of the kids at Christmas. They need help and support all year. After all, a child is for life, not just for Christmas.