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By Henry Umahi
As the world prepares to celebrate the International Day of Charity, Great Friends Thrift Society, which promotes charitable efforts, has urged those who are more blessed to spare a thought for the less privileged to alleviate or reduce poverty and suffering in the world.
The chairman of Great Friends, Chief Fidelis Okpoko, said there is need for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens to be assisted by individuals, groups and the private sector by supporting or undertaking philanthropic projects.
Okpoko said: “You don’t have to be a millionaire or billionaire before you can be your brother’s keeper. You do not wait until you do not have personal challenges before helping people or investing in charitable causes.
“Any charitable involvement, big or small, money or time, can go a long way to make somebody’s day. Providing food for a hungry family or mobility aids for someone with physical challenges can make a lot of differences.
“Even helping to keep the environment clean is work of charity because society benefits. It is a win-win situation because you lose nothing when you put smiles on faces.
“According to the United Nations, ‘International Day of Charity serves to increase and enhance social responsibility across the entire world, increasing our support for charitable causes and bringing everyone together in solidarity.’
“Charity is voluntary provision of help in form of money or materials to the needy without expecting rewards from the receiver.
“It’s an act of humanity. It gives joy to the giver because the reward is great from Almighty God and bigger than what was given.
“The act of charity is enshrined in all religious books. In the Bible, Jesus Christ asks us to help our neighbours. He said by doing that,we are doing it for him. Almsgiving is act of charity recommended in Quoran. Visiting the less privileged, orphanages, old peoples home, hospitals and correctional centres are acts of charity that will not pass unrewarded.
“Charity is work of love. I encourage individuals and groups to imbibe this virtue. That’s why Great Friends Thrift Society makes it a duty to visit the needy from time to time with our window’s mite.”
Bishop Chibueze Okonkwo disclosed that Great Friends are planning another rendezvous at an orphanage. “As our manner is, we are planning to go and visit our friends in orphanage. We believe that the only way humanity can thrive and flourish is solidarity. Solidarity drives from our attitudes, beliefs, orientations and values that define us as human beings.
“There’s no doubt that we all face one challenge or another but all things considered, there are those who are more blessed than others. So, it is our disposition that we regularly embrace those whom nature has been less benevolent to.
“All of us are one and when you visit certain places and people, you will begin to appreciate God’s goodness in your life and family as well as the need to invest and identify more in brotherhood. We are the world, we are children of God, so let’s start giving to our brothers and sisters in unpleasant condition and inelegant places.”
According to Bishop Okonkwo, to whom much is given much is required.
