What can you do to give back? Many of us are busy with our own lives but taking the time to help those in need throughout your community not only benefits them but also makes you feel good! You don’t simply have to donate your money either, giving your time to a good cause can be just as helpful. So what can you do to help? There are charity/fundraising events taking place throughout the month that all benefit wonderful organizations in the area, and believe it or not a lot of these events sound like a fun way to give back! Check out these upcoming events for ideas on how you can help those in need!
MSPCA Angell Walk for Animals – Our pets are our best friends, they are always there for us in times of trouble and now it’s our turn to be there for them! This Sunday, September 9th join thousands of local animal lovers for this walk which takes place in 3 seperate locations, Boston, Hyannis, and Newbury and is about 1 mile long. Registration begins at 11 AM and the walk starts at 12 noon. This annual walk first began in 2007 and since then has raised over $1,000,000 to support kindness and care for animals in Massachusetts. The MSPCA relies on this fundraising event to take care of their animals all year long. Proceeds benefit all areas of their organization from animal adoption, to advocacy, to law enforcement, and last but not least their hospital, the Angell Animal Medical Center. Can’t participate in the walk itself but still want to help? The MSPCA is accepting donations in support of the walk itself, a certain walker, or a certain team. This walk goes a long way in supporting the MSPCA and their mission to help as many animals as possible and it is because of the walkers and generous supporters that continue to give back!
6th Annual Project Smile Charity Date Auction – This event is not only being called “Boston’s biggest fall singles event” but the proceeds benefit a wonderful cause. Project Smile is a non-profit organization that donates stuffed animals, small toys, and children’s books to police and fire departments for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics to give to children involved in traumatic situations. Recently they have also launched Operation Elder Care program which donates stuffed animals to elderly people making the difficult transition from life at home to life in a nursing home. So, stop by Gypsy Bar in Boston on Friday, September 14th from 6:30-9 PM and support a great cause while meeting some of Boston’s most eligible singles. Hosted by NECN morning news anchors Steve Aveson and Bridget Blythe, the event is expected to draw over 500 people so get your tickets ASAP! Tickets are $17 each and can be purchased here. Guests can also sign themselves up to register to be auctioned off! This could be your chance to meet the man/woman of your dreams while also helping others so don’t pass it up!
Harbor To The Bay – This charity bike ride began in 2003 and since then has raised over $2,000,000 for local HIV/AIDS organizations. It takes place Saturday, September 15th and riders can choose between 3 routes; Boston to Provincetown (125 miles), Boston to Sagamore Bridge (68 miles) or the Sagamore Bridge to Provincetown (68 miles). This event is looking for both riders as well as volunteers so if biking isn’t your thing there are still different ways you can help! Riders will be required to wear a helmet and there will be pit stops every 15 miles so riders can use the restrooms, have a snack, or rest up for a bit. Riders are also required to fundraise a minimum of $1,000 and pay the $75 registration fee. If that goal is a little steep especially so close to the event, sign up to volunteer! This fundraiser donates 100% of all rider received pledges to their four beneficiaries; Fenway Health Center, AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Community Research Initiative (CRI), and AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC). For more information visit their website here.
Don’t miss out on your chance to give back this September! These are all very worthy causes that can use as much help and support as possible, many rely on the generous donations of their supporters and could not do the amazing work that they do without the help of donors and volunteers. Every little bit makes a difference, whatever you can do to help will be greatly appreciated!
Photo By: Mike Halsall