Showing posts with label the Salvation Army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Salvation Army. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Ethical Christmas

I expected to be writing about Joseph this morning, however, as I prepared for the day through my devotions I was turned in a completely different direction: ethical Christmas Shopping...

A few weeks ago I was looking for something 'smart but cool' to wear ( for those that know me, you will realise that this is not a style that comes naturally to me) and felt that I had found the very things - but they were in an ethically dubious shop... What to do? The price was in my budget, they were available, they fitted my 'style requirements'...

Our normal practice in my family is to start with the charity shops, we've bagged many bargains over the years, saving literally hundreds of pounds. When we shop for gifts for others we normally focus on small independent local traders, a unique gift that is helping an individual as well as fulfilling our requirements is an extra special present. We even support the Salvation Army through the Secret Santa in the office. Ethical shopping is part of our general make up.

How do we know, however, that everyone in the production and supply chain is being treated fairly? Who defines what is 'fair' anyway? I could go shopping iPad in hand to check the ethical statement of every company but to be truthful I would just be in the way and take a lot of time.

As I wonder about this issue I reassure myself that I take an appropriate stand but also that I could do more - and will do more - not only at Christmas but throughout the year as well. A habit established regularly will surely equip anyone better than a simple seasonal adjustment...

And, if you were wondering, no I didn't buy the clothes. Like a wise man from the East I returned home by a different route.

Friday, 21 March 2014

This is the task...

Regular readers of this blog will know that at around 7:00 each morning I post online.

Today is no different.

Today, however, I am not writing or reflecting about #40acts - this is the act itself: to be an ambassador for causes that are close to my heart.

1: The. Salvation Army. Obviously! Our work is diverse and life changing. A visit to mine of our Corps' or Lifehouses is an eye opening experience to see the depth and breadth of programme with the motivation to be the love of God to those around. I had the very great pleasure to be an ambassador for the Salvation Army yesterday during a conversation with restaurant staff. They were enlightened and now one of them is going to offer assistance at a Foodbank. http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/

2: The Bible Society. I love reading God's word and I love other to be able to do the same in a translation that is most accessible for them. Find them here: http://www.biblesociety.org.uk/ 

3: Habitat for Humanity. Most of us in the west live in homes that are at least wind and watertight. Habitat for Humanity provides the practical help to local communities to give them a roof over their heads by taking teams from the UK to build alongside local families. Find them here: http://habitatforhumanity.org.uk/volunteer-teams

Throughout today I will be posting about these three organisations - please consider helping them in one way or another, giving, volunteering, praying, sharing.