Global Q&A: ‘What charitable act would you feel comfortable doing?’

Manhattan, New York, USA

Lauren Blatter, 23, Sales Assistant

Putting on an event, because I did it in college, or donating money. I put on a dance marathon [for the Children’s Wish Foundation]. People stand for 26 hours and dance. Kids come, it’s fun, and it gets people together. 

Cartagena, Colombia

Gabriel Díaz Támara, 49, Pharmaceutical Chemist


I want to clarify, that is not the act of charity where I feel more comfortable, it is the most rewarding thing that I do that gives me the power to help relieve pain and hunger. To listen to the needy in times of difficulty, to provide them with love and guidance, to together find that light at the end. Difficult times we all have, but if we find a friendly hand to give us support, not in an economic way, but to support them with encouragement and guidance. … Continue to believe in God, in our values, and all that—human beings will be the cornerstones for a society fairer and balanced.

Auckland, New Zealand

Sam Kumar, 29, Plastics and Processing Engineer

Helping them out and giving them money. But it doesn’t usually work well that way because they just spend it on smokes, alcohol, and addictions.

Lima, Peru

Carolina Vivanco, 38, Business Woman

I do a lot of charity work; I feel good when I share with the people who need it. And I think I’m doing the right thing when I do charity work for people who I do not know, and I give preference to the elderly people because they need more help because of their age. When the members of my family ask for my help, I try to help them a lot, and I am happy to do it.

Bucharest, Romania

Daniela Balan, 20, Student

If I had time I would help animals, I would try to find a shelter for them, because, as I can see they are in a great need of our help.

Puerto Montt, Chile

Maria Caro, 29, Saleswoman

In reality, I don’t have any especially. I do not have to walk collecting donations or participate in something that has much public connotation to feel myself pious, or charitable. I only help those who I meet on my life’s path, and who need my solidarity. I help them according to my possibilities and I think that is a good person, and I believe this kind of act feels comfortable to me. 

Aneby, Sweden

Emma-Sara Lund Persson, 24, Student

I believe in doing a lot of good [small] things, on a daily basis. One good thing is to give money for charity, but as a student I don’t have that economy. I myself, I give blood to the medical care center. In Sweden we can choose some stuff to get as compensation. Either you can choose from some things, or donate points that you get from giving away your blood. I always give my points (worth about US$7) to a fund that helps children with cancer.

Vallgorguina-Barcelona Spain

Luisa Vert, 60, Writer/Translator

I understand charity as an act of love to others. Since in everyday life I have found people in need, and I have been able to help them in a material, or in an emotional way that’s made me feel very comfortable. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gustavo Palheiro, 22, Law Student

Charity has different meanings. Depending on the concept you choose, you will come up with a different answer. If you consider that ‘charity’ means to give, or provide a benefit or personal earning to the other without receiving something (material or not) in return, then charity does not exist. Charity makes you gain at least some spiritual comfort. Therefore, it is impossible to give without expecting to get something in return. Charity does not exist. Some people are involved in charity in order to improve their spirits. I also think that charity is sort of ‘imposed’ …

 Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “Have you experienced something good that arose from what appeared to be bad circumstances?”