Most cultures and religions of the world speak of charity. In the Bible there are some 3,000 references to charity. The Talmud says charity is as important as all the other commandments combined and Jews should donate 10% of their income annually. Islam requires helping those in need also. Muslims are required to give 2.5% of their net worth to charity annually. Even the great Chinese philosopher Mencius, second only to Confucius, preached charity to everyone, from the peasants to the king!

At Matter Of Change we know times are tough. We also know that we can still help by redirecting left over gift card dollars to a charity of your choice. Throughout history there have been many debates and papers on the topic of charity as well as extremes to these ideas. At one extreme are those who suggest giving everything possible to charity without putting yourself or your family in poverty. At the other end are those who feel since your income was hard earned, you should be able to enjoy a lavish lifestyle with little regard for the suffering of others. We understand points made from both ends, and that is why we fall somewhere in between.

Regarding those who feel they should give everything we applaud their virtues but realize this may be an unattainable feat. With respect to those who feel they should spoil themselves we also agree to a point. A little spoiling is not a bad thing if done in moderation, but we should always maintain an outlook for others and society as a whole. As humans we want to succeed and live a comfortable life. We want the best education possible and to be responsible and productive members of society.

By giving even a small amount we can make a positive change to an affliction somewhere in the world which may produce a rose in winter. That small donation may save the life of a child, help find a cure for cancer, AIDS, leukemia, diabetes, or any of the vast number of diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. A small donation may save an area of unexplored rain forest or save a species of animals or plants. Almost 25% of our medicines and vaccines come from plant extracts. Whatever small donation amount is left on the Matter of Change card, can help have a profound impact on the global society and make life on Earth more enjoyable for years to come.

So please, before purchasing a generic gift card think twice about where you prefer any possible left over money to go. Do you want it tied up in limbo for years or would you rather it go to a worthy cause, a cause that will make our world a better place for everyone? Matter of Change can help!!!

MatterOfChange.com has no direct affiliation with any of the organizations listed above nor are we a non-profit organization. www.MatterOfChange.com can only guarantee the charity which is attached to each card by either the purchaser or recipient of each card will receive the donation amounts from those cards in the names of either the purchaser or recipients less the processing fee.