Christmas gifts, some incredible charities and a message of gratitude.
As part of Studio 31’s ethos in health, sustainability and social change, we choose not to give material gifts at Christmas. We circulate electronic cards to our wonderful and valued clients and donate a to a landscape/nature-based charity on their behalf. To date we have donated the tools to build allotments for communities living in poverty in Rwanda, donated to The Garden Classroom (an outdoor education charity helping connect urban children with nature) and this year we will donate to a project close to our hearts The Pear Tree Centre for the ongoing maintenance of their new health and wellbeing garden there.
There are so many causes we would love to support, that often it’s overwhelming and difficult to know which ones to choose. We, therefore, choose to support nature-based charities, particularly those that connect landscape and health and who align with our values.
We are also lucky enough to know many other professionals and friends who run, raise valuable funds and advocate for equally incredible charities so if you want to change your company (or even personal) gift policy this year here are just a few ideas of some charities you could support…and when we say support, this doesn’t have to just be financial, even spreading their message helps others donate too…
- Azuko. An architecture charity using design to improve the lives of people living in extreme poverty and working to ensure every person enjoys the right to dignified living conditions. They are currently raising money to train women to “build for safety” in one of the poorest parts of Bangladesh where many houses are ill-equipped to face the growing number of natural hazards. This project really does have the power to not only change but save lives.
They are also running a bake-off style challenge between (today?!) 3rd-9th December so to get your workplace involved do contact them. Monies donated via their portal between 3rd-10th December will even be doubled!
- Shelter UK. “Homelessness is a national crisis” and architecture and the built environment could hold many of the solutions. Here is a link to one of our respected colleagues, Amos Goldreich talking about one such solution. His studio also happens to be undertaking a walk on 3rd December to raise vital funds for Shelter UK so do support them or the charity direct.
- The Garden Classroom. With more and more research emerging about the link between health and nature, it’s more important than ever that we connect children with nature. Not only this, but without connection to the natural environment there is limited incentive for future generations to protect it. Charities like The Garden Classroom give urban children the vital opportunity to experience nature first-hand.
- The Pear Tree Centre. A centre and health and wellbeing garden for anyone diagnosed with a life changing illness. This centre is holistic and community led at its heart and set to change the lives of hundreds of people with life altering illnesses. The team involved with this project really are a true inspiration and it’s a model that has the potential to inspire others to do the same.
- The Flying Seagull Project. This is a personal choice and such an important and relatively unknown charity. These guys believe that basic needs extend beyond food, shelter and warmth and that every human being also has a right to joy. They travel across the globe using play to bring laughter and joy to refugees and other children and communities that need it most. You need only look them up to feel their infectious enthusiasm and the true value of the work they do.
It isn’t within every person’s power, budget or business to be able to support charities like these but if it is, even on the smallest level and you are the budget holder or the influencer, be brave this year, do things differently, blaze a trail and maybe give a gift that gives a little more.
Above all though, breathe in love and breathe out gratitude.
Photo by Dan Gold