Surviving the economy:promt #115 Can we still afford to be kind?
There was a time when helping someone in need felt like something we could do without thinking twice. Today, before reaching out to help, many of us have to ask ourselves: “Can I afford to help when I’m also trying to survive?”
The economy has changed the way we live, spend, save, and even give.
As the cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, healthcare and other necessities continues to put pressure on families, charitable work is also feeling the impact. People who once donated regularly may now have to reduce or completely stop their financial contributions. Even organisations that depend on donations can struggle to provide food, clothing, medical assistance or educational support to those who need them.
But I believe something important remains: kindness doesn't always have to be expensive.
But the question is; How can we survive and still show love?
- Give what you genuinely can.
Charity shouldn't put you into debt. If you can afford ₦1,000, give ₦1,000. If you can only afford ₦200, that's still something. And if you genuinely cannot give money, don't feel guilty. Charity much not always be in monetary form. And it's very okay.
- Give your time.
Sometimes, what someone needs isn't money but attention. Visit an elderly person, help a child with homework, volunteer at a community programme or simply check on someone who is going through a difficult period.
- Share what you have.
You don't need to be rich to share. Extra clothes, books, food items or household belongings that you no longer need can become valuable to someone else.
- Support someone's hustle.
Instead of simply giving someone money, you can buy from their small business, recommend their service, share their business online or connect them with a potential customer. Sometimes, helping someone earn is more sustainable than giving them a handout.
- Practice small acts of kindness.
Paying someone's transport fare, buying food for someone who hasn't eaten, helping a neighbour with a task, or encouraging someone who is struggling may seem small, but these gestures can mean a lot.
Charity should not destroy or break the person giving it.
One lesson the current economy is teaching us is that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
Taking care of ourselves isn't selfish. Saving when we can, budgeting properly, reducing unnecessary expenses and building an emergency fund can help us remain financially stable enough to support others when opportunities arise.
We may not be able to solve everyone's problems, but we can make someone's burden a little lighter.
Perhaps surviving this economy isn't only about asking, “How can I make enough to survive?”
Maybe we should also ask:
“With whatever I have, how can I make someone else's survival a little easier?”
Because sometimes, charity isn't about having plenty.
Sometimes, it's simply about having a heart that remembers others.
What are some ways you continue to show love or help others without putting your own finances under pressure?