The Donation and the Donor

People are indeed strange creatures. On one hand, curious, ready to devote half a lifetime studying the phenomena of elementary particles or the depths of space. On the other hand, unable to see and unwilling to see or hear about things happening around them. About things close to them. I should say - there are things it is better not to stir up and not to try to understand why something happens this way and not another. The topic of donations - like the topics of taste and faith - is one such thing. So to speak - for the sake of peace and quiet.

But still - about donating and charity.

A donation (and charity) in its noblest essence is energy - most likely property, money, or time spent on some activity - transferred to another party without receiving anything in return. Except perhaps - the satisfaction of having done something worthwhile.

Expressions of charity can be very diverse. Ranging from selflessly helping to push a vehicle stuck in a snowdrift. To a very complete devotion to serving others. In between, of course, donating larger or smaller sums of money and doing larger or smaller deeds. It is a little harder when it comes to donating one's own time, performing some work. Whether Latvian laziness is to blame or something else, but sitting on a soft sofa and numbly staring at a blue screen while sending a text message to a donation number is indescribably simpler. And easier.

Ah, what a good feeling afterwards. A good deed done! We brew a cup of fragrant coffee and head to the window to look at how much snow has fallen. Mmm... We watch the janitor struggling with a snowdrift and think - when will the old man clear a path to my car. Have you ever helped the janitor shovel snow? What for! That is his duty and his job. But is it not the state's duty to look after orphans and others in need? Ah no, you see, that is different.

Three essential questions - to whom do we donate, what do we donate, and how do we feel?

To whom do we donate?

Without doubt - to little children, little animals, and the sick. In second, or last place come - museums, churches, schools, retirement homes, political parties. One might even think we donate to those who cannot look after themselves. But perhaps out of fear of ending up in their position? Perhaps out of vanity - see, perhaps my little name will appear on some little list and then everyone will see and think how good I actually am?

Perhaps with this donation we are actually trying to buy our way out of fear, or cheaply purchase shares in vanity? Then the deed is done - we bring in little children to sing something with their frail, trembling little voices. Oh! Did that pull at your heartstrings? There you go then...

The next variant - fear, which includes also a feeling of loneliness. Clearly - we create a sense of togetherness. How? Sometimes even very close people can sit together for half an evening before slowly, slowly arriving at a soul-deep intimacy. And having reached such a state of soul, one can be talked into many things. Even asked for money, if needed. The process speeds up noticeably when games, dancing, and songs are put on the table. Have you noticed that donations come in better just before the show's climax?

The next variant. Fear. If the potential donor is not frightened off and does not flee, perhaps they will donate something after all. But they will not flee from a school where they or their children study. From a hospital. And where are greater fears than for children's health or for "serious" ailments and encounters with the grim reaper. One wonders who would have thought to collect donations for refurbishing a dentist's surgery? And finally - fear of the afterlife and of God turning away his face.

What do we donate?

The clear leader of all donations is - money. Followed by various things no longer used or needed, for example, clothing, books, etc. Has anyone thought of donating a snow shovel to a church, for example?

With all of this, dear donors and benefactors, at no moment have I wished to encourage you to abandon these noble deeds. Charity is a part of our culture, demanded and offered for centuries, and there is not the slightest reason to believe it will disappear in the future.
True, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that donating is not only glamorous shows - for the organising of which a substantial portion of all donated funds disappears - but also quite everyday things and expressions through which to realise oneself in charitable work.

I must say, it has always seemed strange to me that the only way to squeeze a bit of money from the average citizen is to organise lavish shows with premium-rate phone numbers and text messages. Yes, convenient. Never mind that part of your donated money goes towards organising the event, and from the crumbs that remain nearly half goes to Lattelecom for ensuring the availability of the service. Let me put it this way - perhaps it is better to go to the local shop and buy some vegetables. You will be stimulating the local economy. Because vendors and vegetable growers also have children, and elderly and sick people too.

As I said at the very beginning. There are things it is better not to stir up and not to think about. Just do them!