Charity
These are largely New Zealand charities that I keep in mind if not actually donate to (alas, I'm a broke student). Here are links to their donation pages and a short description of what exactly they mean to me.
The Red Cross New Zealand, particularly their earthquake appeal
Christchurch was hit by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, six months after a magnitude 7.1 which already had the city destabilized. At time of writing there were 166 confirmed dead with 240 unaccounted for, which in a small country like New Zealand is huge. Everyone in this country knows someone at least affected by it. The Red Cross is checking on welfare, assisting the needs of affected people and communities, providing fresh water, helping people find missing friends and family, and giving emergency grants to people without water, power, or sewerage.
Who do I know that's affected? My best friend, and a few other people I went to high school with who go to the same school as him.
Ronald McDonald House
A home away from home for families of sick kids in hospital for treatment away from home.
Child Cancer Foundation
Support for families of children diagnosed with cancer and doctors and researchers.
In my last year of high school, Kyah Dale Milne, the baby daughter of an old online friend was diagnosed with cancer. I followed her story at kyahsjourney up until her death. Both the Ronald McDonald House and the Child Cancer Foundation supported Kyah and her family every step of the way.
Youthline
A youth helpline, counselling, and leadership training.
I was suicidal in my second to last year of high school. While I never actually called Youthline, I appreciated their existence.
Women's Refuge
Support for victims of domestic violence.
I grew up free of abuse. So I want to help other people be able to as well.
New Zealand AIDS Foundation
Support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
As I started to come out of the closet, I became gradually aware of HIV/AIDS and its effects on the gay community and Third World nations.
Play It Strange
Support for young songwriters and musicians.
Music is one of my two loves and in high school particularly I played and wrote the most. Play It Strange runs a songwriting contest that actually motivated me to finish songs three years in a row.
Philippine Breast Cancer Network
Support for breast cancer patients, education, and breast cancer research.
My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and is presently in remission.
American Cancer Society
Support for cancer research, education, advocacy, and service.
During my time in Florida, I got involved with the Relay for Life in Celebration with my workplace team. No longer being in Florida I can't exactly participate again next year.
Alzheimer's Association (US)
Support for Alzheimer's sufferers, research, and education.
My maternal grandmother has Alzheimer's and tends to forget who I am, seeing as I haven't been around her that much living in another country and all.
The Red Cross New Zealand, particularly their earthquake appeal
Christchurch was hit by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, six months after a magnitude 7.1 which already had the city destabilized. At time of writing there were 166 confirmed dead with 240 unaccounted for, which in a small country like New Zealand is huge. Everyone in this country knows someone at least affected by it. The Red Cross is checking on welfare, assisting the needs of affected people and communities, providing fresh water, helping people find missing friends and family, and giving emergency grants to people without water, power, or sewerage.
Who do I know that's affected? My best friend, and a few other people I went to high school with who go to the same school as him.
Ronald McDonald House
A home away from home for families of sick kids in hospital for treatment away from home.
Child Cancer Foundation
Support for families of children diagnosed with cancer and doctors and researchers.
In my last year of high school, Kyah Dale Milne, the baby daughter of an old online friend was diagnosed with cancer. I followed her story at kyahsjourney up until her death. Both the Ronald McDonald House and the Child Cancer Foundation supported Kyah and her family every step of the way.
Youthline
A youth helpline, counselling, and leadership training.
I was suicidal in my second to last year of high school. While I never actually called Youthline, I appreciated their existence.
Women's Refuge
Support for victims of domestic violence.
I grew up free of abuse. So I want to help other people be able to as well.
New Zealand AIDS Foundation
Support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
As I started to come out of the closet, I became gradually aware of HIV/AIDS and its effects on the gay community and Third World nations.
Play It Strange
Support for young songwriters and musicians.
Music is one of my two loves and in high school particularly I played and wrote the most. Play It Strange runs a songwriting contest that actually motivated me to finish songs three years in a row.
Philippine Breast Cancer Network
Support for breast cancer patients, education, and breast cancer research.
My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and is presently in remission.
American Cancer Society
Support for cancer research, education, advocacy, and service.
During my time in Florida, I got involved with the Relay for Life in Celebration with my workplace team. No longer being in Florida I can't exactly participate again next year.
Alzheimer's Association (US)
Support for Alzheimer's sufferers, research, and education.
My maternal grandmother has Alzheimer's and tends to forget who I am, seeing as I haven't been around her that much living in another country and all.