Doorstep Deeds

Let’s dive into the world of corporate donations, tax deductions, and why this year, you should take the reins and direct your generosity where it truly matters.

You've navigated the aisles of Walmart, stocked up at Sobeys, and flexed your DIY muscles at Home Depot, or Canadian Tire. But did you know that every time you swipe that card, and asked to make a donation you might be unwittingly bankrolling a corporate charitable contribution? It's like Robin Hood in reverse – you're taking from your own coffers and giving to the already affluent.

These corporate giants, in their pursuit of billions of dollars in profit, often engage in philanthropy to earn the coveted golden ticket: a tax deduction. That's right, a bit of giving here and there, and voila! They pat themselves on the back while the tax man gives a nod of approval. Meanwhile, you're left with the impression that you've done your part for the greater good.

But what if I told you that you could be the hero of your own narrative? Envision this: You, yes, you, directing your hard-earned dollars to a cause that genuinely matters to you. This year let's break free from the corporate donation matrix and back initiatives that hit close to home.

In the city that never sleeps, the issue of fixed-term leases is as tangible as the late-night pizz. If you've called the Big Apple home for a decade, like yours truly, you've felt the struggle of renting your home. Landlords playing Jenga with rent prices, and everyone is caught in the crossfire, desperately trying to find stable housing. The culprit is THE FIXED TERM LEASE, it’s becoming more popular here in Nova Scotia.

The fixed-term lease, a bit like a magician's wand in the hands of landlords. Picture this: ion the surface it’s a contractual tête-à-tête between a tenant and a landlord, but here's the twist—there's an expiration date. It's not quite as romantic as a summer fling; instead, it's a rendezvous with housing uncertainty. Now, here's where the plot thickens in this real estate drama. Some landlords, the crafty illusionists they are, exploit this fixed-term enchantment to dodge rent control laws and tenant protection spells. With a flick of the lease, they can raise rent prices at the end of each term, avoiding the shackles of restrictions that might cramp their financial style. It's like a shell game, but instead of guessing where the pea is, tenants are left guessing where their rent will skyrocket to next. So, in the grand theatrical production of urban living, fixed-term leases play the role of the sneaky plot twist, leaving tenants on the edge of their seats and landlords rubbing their hands together like mischievous wizards.

Now, it's crucial to mention that as you embark on your philanthropic journey, take a moment to research and vet the organizations you plan to support. Not all groups operate with the same level of transparency or share your values. Some may unintentionally funnel your hard-earned resources to causes that don't align with your sensibilities. So, be a savvy donor – know where your money is going and ensure it's making the impact you desire.

The essence of "charity begins at home" echoes not only in the comfort of our living spaces but recognizing that ensuring everyone has a home is the bedrock of true compassion. Charity isn't just a grandiose gesture; it's the recognition that providing shelter, warmth, and security is the original primal act of kindness. In a world where the absence of a home is the source of countless struggles, addressing this fundamental basic need becomes the foundation of change. So, let us ensure that charity commences with the sanctity of having a home, embracing the profound truth that the first step towards a compassionate society begins right at our own doorstep and having a doorstep to call your own.

Instead of letting the corporate giants dictate where your charitable dollars go, and then reap the reward off your hard-earned dollars, channel your inner superhero and support organizations actively fighting for tenant rights for instance. Be the change you want to see, and let your dollars do the talking directly, without the corporate middleman muddying the waters.

Look, charity isn't just a seasonal thing, it’s not like a festive light display that sparkles in December and fades into the shadows by January. No, no, charity needs to be perpetual, a year-round extravaganza that demands our attention, it’s like a tireless performer seeking a standing ovation. While holiday generosity is akin to a grand overture, the world doesn't magically mend itself when the last strand of tinsel is packed away. No, it's a continuous narrative, where kindness needs to prevail every day. My friends, please, let's not confine our charitable escapades to the holiday season, you can be philanthropic rebels, breaking free from the shackles of seasonal giving and embracing the notion that the world deserves our kindness every day, not just on a festive whim.

Charity ought to be about making tangible differences, charity and giving is not just a line item on a profit and loss statement. So, here's to being the architect of your own generosity, the captain of your own philanthropic ship, and the maestro of your charitable symphony.

Let's make a genuine impact.

Cheers to year-round direct, meaningful change.