This week began in pink with International Day Against Breast Cancer, and it got us thinking about how often we wish we could do more to support the causes we care deeply about. In the case of breast cancer, for example, the best way to help is usually through financial donations to fund research.
The same is true of many other diseases, or when supporting organizations that do essential social work, whether in third-world countries or in our own neighborhoods. They also need the resources to keep helping other people live.
But it’s true that the size of some people’s wallets isn’t proportional to the size of their hearts. In other words: we’d like to give more, but we can’t. So what alternatives do we have? Today we want to suggest one you may not have considered: charitable crafting.
CHARITABLE CRAFTING: BELIEVING IS CREATING.
What do you think about using your own skills to generate donations? You can use your free time to support a cause you believe in while doing what you love most. With a small investment in materials—or none at all, since many materials such as t-shirt yarn are recycled and don’t even involve a direct expense—you can create beautiful things that other people will want to own and then donate the money you raise.
The truth is that people find it much easier to make a small donation if they get something in return, even if it’s merely symbolic. And if it’s something beautiful, it’s even easier. Putting in your two cents to make the world a better place and, in the process, getting a pretty bracelet? Who could resist that!
The prettier your charitable crafts turn out, the easier it will be for everyone to want them, and the more money you’ll be able to raise for the cause of your choice. Share them on your social media, ask your family and friends for help, and above all, put plenty of enthusiasm into it—you’ll inevitably pass that enthusiasm on to the people around you.
If you contact the association or group you want to help, they’ll surely promote your project and serve as a distribution point to make things easier for you.
WHAT KIND OF OBJECTS CAN YOU CREATE FOR YOUR CHARITABLE CRAFTING?
It’s best to choose something you enjoy, that you’re good at, and that can be made quickly at minimal cost. An ideal example of a creation that works on every level and meets all these requirements is t-shirt yarn bracelets.
Because they’re easy and beautiful, as well as one of the most popular charity products, they’re an excellent choice. If you’re supporting a specific cause, such as cancer, make them in the specific colors that symbolize that disease. That way, people who see them will immediately feel the connection to the cause, and they’ll enjoy wearing them even more.
Does the idea appeal to you? Learn how to make t-shirt yarn bracelets with our video tutorial. If you’d like to use another technique for more variety, we also have a tutorial for making bracelets with Scooby Doo braiding.
Another different way to help in the case of cancer, sadly so familiar to everyone, is the kimo-cap, which we told you about on the blog some time ago.
We believe that if someone truly wants to do something to help those who need it most, they can always find a way to make it happen. This is just one small idea, but maybe it will inspire you to develop your own. And when you do, be sure to tell us about it!
Join the charitable crafting movement and don’t let anything stop you from doing your part!