Small ways to make a big difference in 2024
CAFOD runners and supporters at the London Landmarks Half Marathon
Therese from our Digital Fundraising team writes about small but significant ways you can help people in 2024.
Welcome to a new year and the chance to make a whole fresh start. Personally though, I’m not overly keen on making big resolutions. Instead I like to look at making small changes that can have long-lasting impacts.
This year I’m really focusing and thinking about eating healthily. This made me think about other small changes that really can make a difference over a period of time. The positive effects from these changes can be particularly important for charities, and we see that here at CAFOD. It’s those small changes that really impact the number of people that we can help. We’re reminded of this in Jesus’ reflection of the widows offering.
So, where can little-and-often actions really help CAFOD? How can you give to a charity without directly giving money? Here’s a nice list of nine simple actions you can take in 2024.
1. Support CAFOD through your normal online shopping
Give As You Live is a website that helps you raise funds for charities including CAFOD with your everyday online shopping.
It takes just a couple of minutes to register. Choose CAFOD as your charity to support and we will receive all the proceeds – thank you!
2. Take on the Big Lent Walk 2024
The Big Lent Walk is CAFOD’s annual fundraising event throughout Lent. Can you set yourself a target to put your steps to good use and get fundraising this Lent? When you sign up, we’ll send you a welcome pack with a wallchart and a pair of Big Lent Walk laces. If you hit the target of £200 on your fundraising page, then we’ll send you a Big Lent Walk tote bag!
3. Raise money when you sell items on eBay
Having a clear out? We love to know that unwanted belongings are having a second lease of life. What’s more, by signing up to eBay for Charity you can help to support CAFOD in the process.
4. Give as you earn with payroll giving
Payroll giving is a simple way for you to give to charity as you earn straight from your pay packet. Payroll gifts are deducted from your pay before tax, meaning it’s a tax-efficient way of giving money to charity too!
A payroll gift to CAFOD can give lifesaving help – like food, water and shelter – to families in urgent need.
5. Turn your recycling into cash
From ink cartridges to cars (yes, cars!) you can raise money for CAFOD when you recycle or sell on old or unwanted items, no matter how big or small.
6. Volunteer your time
We have some incredible and talented volunteers with us at CAFOD. Do you have some skills you could share and time you could spare for a few hours a week? We’d love to hear from you and it could be a great thing to add to your CV.
7. Show your support on social media
Sharing CAFOD’s messages on social media helps to amplify our collective voice. You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube – we even have our own podcast on Spotify! Wherever your find us on social media, we can’t thank you enough for your support.
8. Leave a gift in your Will
This year why not use CAFOD’s free Will service? By including a gift to CAFOD, you can make a lasting difference and share your blessings with families around the world.
CAFOD also offers a free Will-writing guide to help you prepare for making your Will.
9. Sign up for weekly reflections
Every Friday we send a reflection based on the Sunday gospel, rooted in global justice, with inspiring prayers and ways to put your faith into action.
Happy New Year!
Whatever small changes you decide to make in 2024, it’s up to you. And if you find a way to support CAFOD this year, we thank you!
If you have any other ways to make a small but significant difference, please comment below.