Helping those facing hardship overseas

Over the past couple of weeks, we've all been witness to the extraordinary generosity that people have towards their fellow Australians when disaster strikes. These acts of generosity, both monetary and the volunteering of time, further confirm that the concept of the 'lucky country' is a real one.

In many places around the world, people are not so lucky. Pakistan also faced widespread flooding last year, but the toll on the country is far greater than we can imagine. 20 million people were displaced - that's almost the entire population of Australia — and roughly 3000 people were killed. However, as a developing nation, the people of Pakistan will not recover in the same way that Australia will — they are not a rich nation, so their people can't afford to give in the same way that Australians are able to give to each other in times of need. That's why those of us who are fortunate enough to live in a rich nation should also remember to help those overseas who are in need as much as we can. There are a number organisations through which people can help — I personally support Plan Australia in their Pakistan aid, but there are many others out there as well.

In addition to the 'big guns', there are also many overseas aid organisations that go largely unnoticed. Some are simply overlooked as a place to direct donations as they are unable to provide a tax deduction, and most simply do not have the marketing power of the bigger players that we are all familiar with. I wanted to share with you three such organisations that I've become aware of recently.

Project 18 is lovingly run by Cate Bolt, and 'exists to improve the quality of life of orphaned and underprivileged children by providing a safe environment in which to grow, whilst educating them for a brighter future living in harmony with their environment'. Project 18 does not have tax-deductible status, but Cate and her team selflessly run their sustainable orphanage and wildlife sanctuary project with amazing love and dedication. Plus, you can buy chocolate 'bricks' to help build classrooms — organic, fair-trade chocolate!

OrphFund is an entirely volunteer-based organisation that helps vulnerable children around the world, regardless of their ethnic background or religion. They guarantee that 100 per cent of funds donated, although not tax-deductible, will reach children living in poverty. OrphFund founder Steven Argent also sells 'photo blocks' of his work to further add to the funds of the organisation.

One Girl focuses on educating underprivileged girls around the world. Like Orphfund and Project 18, donations are not currently tax-deductible. But, for only $10 a month (roughly the cost of three takeaway coffees), you can provide a scholarship for a girl in a country such as Sierra Leone. You can even sponsor an entire classroom by joining together with colleagues or family members.

Please take the time to visit the websites of these organisations and, if you can spare it, make a contribution to their amazing efforts.