‘Celebrate Kindness’ - Five Charities Small Business Can Donate to This World Kindness Day

November 13th, is World Kindness Day, when people around the world are encouraged to be kind to others, whether that be at work, through business, to family, friends, or just out in the public. And with Christmas upon us when it is a time of giving and, after such a crazy year, being compassionate and connecting with others in small ways seems more important than ever before.

Small businesses can get involved in #WorldKindnessDay by celebrating their acts of altruism, whether that is something they are already doing or something they pledge to do on this day.

Raising money for a charity is a tangible way for small and micro businesses to connect with others and be kind. We know this because so many social enterprises and SMEs have already made a positive impact by donating to charities through our fundraising platform (read about some small businesses giving back).

To help more socially responsible small businesses give back, here are five UK charities to donate to this #WorldKindnessDay.

The Jo Cox Foundation:

How do they help?

The Jo Cox Foundation was established in 2016 by the friends and family of the late Jo Cox MP. Inspired by Jo’s own passion and drive to tackle loneliness, bridge divides and bring people together, the charity's vision is for a kinder, more compassionate society, where every individual has a sense of belonging and where we all recognise that we have more in common than that which divides us.

They work to inspire and galvanise positive change at local, national and international levels by partnering with organisations who share their commitment to a fairer, kinder world. They recently founded the Connection Coalition alongside organisations including Mind and Age UK. The coalition aims to share a message of hope during this difficult time. by lifting up the voices of all those who are building connections in their communities

Changing Faces:

How do they help?

Changing Faces provide the UK’s only free counselling and wellbeing services for people with visible differences who need more help to cope.

One in five people live with a visible difference: a scar, mark or condition that makes them look different. They face significant disadvantage in all areas of their lives; from access to education and employment to getting the healthcare they need. Over a quarter (28%) of people with a visible difference have experienced a hate crime, and almost half of those who have experienced negative behaviours say they have lost confidence. This has a devastating impact on their self-esteem and wellbeing: and many feel depressed, sad or anxious because of how they look.

Changing Faces are working to make a world that truly values and respects people who look different, where everyone with a visible difference on their face or body has the confidence, support and opportunity to lead the lives they want.

Refugee Action

How do they help?

Refugee Action works with people who have fled war, violence and persecution, and gets them the support they need to live in dignity and build safe and productive lives here in the UK. Every day refugees make harrowing journeys to the UK seeking safety for them and their families. Except, often upon arrival in the UK they experience poverty, isolation, and hostility.  

Refugee Action help those with refugee status to settle into their new homes and communities – from helping children into school to supporting people who suffer violent attacks or other hate crimes.

Carers Trust

How do they help?

Carers Trust provides action, help and advice to some of the 7 million unpaid carers across the UK from children to the elderly carers.

Caring can be very lonely, it often puts a strain on relationships and can result in isolation as well as having an impact on finances. All too often carers let their own health suffer so that they can take care of their loved one.A recent report shows that the Coronavirus has made young carers (as young as 12) and young adult carers even more isolated, and significantly increased the time they spend caring for a relative. Carers Trust helps to give carers of all ages emotional, practical, and financial support.

Centrepoint

How do they help?

Centrepoint gives homeless young people aged 16 – 25 years old a future. Violence, abuse, family breakdown and problems with mental health: young people often become homeless because it’s safer to leave home than to stay. Many end-up sleeping rough or sofa surfing. Every year they help 14,000 young people build a better life, but with the impact of Covid19 on our economy and soaring youth unemployment rates, young rough sleepers are set to rise exponentially. With this added pressure, Centrepoint need help to offer more support to young people.

Not only do Centrepoint offer beds for young people, but their support covers mental health and wellbeing, a pathway back into education,life skills, training and opportunities which inspire and engage young people.

Be Kind:

Donate to one of these charities through your small business this #WorldKindnessDay, or choose from hundreds of other charities to donate to on the platform.

Don't forget: you can also maximise your momentum this Christmas when you join our #SmallBusinessStar campaign in December.

We make it easy for businesses to donate to charities they care about, and integrate their giving into their marketing campaigns.