In this difficult time of the pandemic, it can be difficult to maintain positive thinking. Doing good to those who need it, however, is a great way to boost the mood and contribute to society. And, best of all, you can even help people from your home during the quarantine.
Currently, 1/3 of the world population is in lockdown or with movement restrictions due to the coronavirus. The entire population of India, for example, is quarantined until April 15. 1.3 BILLION Indians can leave home only to buy groceries.
This means that the most vulnerable people and communities are now, more than ever, in need of help. Nursing homes, homeless people, informal workers, people with disabilities and even doctors and nurses. Whether in the time of a pandemic or not, there is a lot you can do to help people in need from your home.
6 WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE FROM YOUR HOME
1 – MAKE A DONATION TO A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY
Get in touch with the institutions in your city and ask how you can help. A simple bank transfer over the internet can help households to prepare and protect their elderly.
2 – HELP INFORMAL WORKERS
Do you know any daily cleaners, manicurists, gardeners, people who provide service to you regularly? With quarantine and services canceled, their income has dropped dramatically. Is it possible for you to keep half a salary for your daily cleaner, even if she is not going to work? Or give an advance to your gardener for services to be done after a few weeks?
3 – STRENGTHEN SMALL BUSINESSES
95% of businesses in India are small, as well as a staggering 99% of businesses in United States. They provide the majority of jobs in these countries, and are extremely vulnerable during the crisis. Perhaps you own a small business yourself, but it is still possible to reach out to your peers and help each other survive.
Many businesses have delivery or e-commerce services that continue to function during the quarantine. What if, from time to time, you order food from that tiny restaurant you love? What if you buy a gift card from that little brand you like but never bought from? Even if you don’t like any specific product right now, a gift card will give you a chance to redeem a credit in the future at that shop.
4 – ORGANIZE DONATION CAMPAIGNS
“I want to donate but I don’t have any money. What do I do?” The internet is an incredible means of communication and dissemination of information. You can choose an institution or person to help and organize a fundraising campaign. Share it with your friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers, and ask them to share it too! Can you imagine getting 50 people to donate only $15 each? It would already be $750 to help someone who really needs it!
5 – ORDER ONLINE AND HAVE IT DELIVERED
What if you ordered non-perishable food and hygiene items online, and asked for the supermarket to deliver it to an NGO that supports homeless people? All you’d need is to look online for institutions in your region and get in touch to ask what items they need. You could buy through the supermarket’s website and schedule the delivery directly to the NGO. Simple, isn’t it?
6 – PROMOTE SMALL ENTREPRENEURS
Word-of-mouth marketing can be crucial to the success of a company, especially small and micro-businesses. Select the ones you like best and post them on your social networks, asking your friends and family to like and follow these entrepreneurs. You can help them gain visibility and generate more sales!
Did you like our tips on how to help people in need from your home? And the cool thing is that they are valid for any time of the year, even when the coronavirus pandemic is over!
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