Many years ago small children in some cultures were taught a nursery rhyme that went – “It’s just like a magic penny, hold it tight and you won’t get any. Lend it, spend it, give it away. It will come right back to you.”

Over the years the inclination to give has been handed down from generation to generation. Many of us learnt this from our parents and the example they gave. Our communities too, have been responsible for teaching children the importance of charity. Do you remember when you were little and were taught to share; that not sharing is being selfish; and being selfish is not good?

Still the concept doesn’t seem to include any concrete reason why we should give. Some will give, others do not. When you ask people who do give why they do it, many times they’ll just tell you ‘Because someone has to’ or ‘Because I feel it’s the right thing to do.’ Meanwhile, you’ll see that the reason why others don’t give at all is because they have not completely understood the benefits charity can give them in return.

There are many reasons why giving is important; and many advantages too. Here are just a few of them:

• It makes the community a better place to live (for everybody). The need for enough food to eat or clean clothes rarely crosses most of our minds. We have more than enough to eat and new and clean clothes when we need them. However for an extremely poor family, food and clothing may be scarce . If the community didn't care about helping this family, they may be in real trouble and struggle. When we give people things or time that they otherwise may not have access to, we elevate their standard of living. In turn, somehow it raises our own too. Do you want to live in a place where people care about each other? I know I do!

• You feel good about it. Yes, in many ways giving to others will improve your self-worth. As a matter of fact it may even propel you to give more.

• You motivate others to give too.When other people see you give, you will let them realize that in many ways, humans living in the same community are interdependent on one another. There is no-one person who has it all and can do it all. This reminder alone may lead them to follow your example.

• The government will reward you. This is especially true for business owners and also individuals who give to charity as the government allows reductions in tax liabilities for charitable donations.
• You’ll have more in return. The more you give, the more you will receive. This seems to defy logic, but many people believe it to be true. You will find them recounting experiences of how the money they gave returned to them twofold, threefold….

These are some of the many reasons that Day Spa Perth donates to local charities. People give what they have – money or time. We give gift vouchers. Gift vouchers cost $100 to $2000 and these are given to local charities as prizes. Also, $1 from every gift voucher we sell is given away to support breast cancer research. A portion of our proceeds are often donated to local sport clubs and school events too.