I want my children to grow up knowing that being part of a community – locally and globally – involves sharing what we have with others. This doesn’t just mean finances, although that is certainly part of it, but also our time and abilities. We have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around us.

The reality is that for most of us, a general philosophy of giving is the best we can do. A full-time focus on fundraising or charity work is not possible. We have work and family commitments, health and financial issues, and limitations in our abilities and knowledge that make it difficult if not impossible to dedicate ourselves 24/7 to a cause, no matter how important or significant we believe it to be.

In the midst of the busyness of everyday life and the crowds of people sharing their focus and attention across a range of activities, causes, priorities and interests, there are those few inspiring people whose passion for a specific cause burns bright and focused. These are the people who get their hands dirty and their hearts bruised as they try to make a difference.

These ambassadors for a cause can sometimes leave the rest of us feeling uncomfortable. Their passion and willingness to do without to make a difference highlights just how much we have and how little of it we share. How much we waste – time, money and effort – and how distorted our priorities sometimes become.

In the past few years, Cate Bolt has been one of those passionate advocates, catching my attention again and again. Her relentless campaigning for the causes close to her heart is inspiring and while her flame does occasionally burn white hot and blind with its intensity, it also offers warmth and encouragement for those who want to find practical, everyday ways that they can support a cause that makes a difference beyond the walls of their own home or the streets of their suburb.

Cate is a passionate campaigner for the homeless and voiceless everywhere. She speaks out for those that society chooses to ignore. You can read more about Cate’s work and causes at her personal website and the Foundation 18 site.

Cate’s latest project is The Giving Bowl, which offers us all the opportunity to make a difference both the causes close to her heart and to those close to ours. Buy a handmade Giving Bowl from The Giving Bowl Etsy shop and you will be helping Cate to provide support to women and orphans in Indonesia. You can then fill the bowl with your loose change and donate the money to a cause that is important to you.

Today I ordered two giving bowls, one for our home and one to give away. I think that this is such a wonderful idea and I can’t wait to encourage my children to not only contribute, but to help us decide who will benefit each time the Giving Bowl is filled.

I would also like to offer a Giving Bowl to a reader of this blog. If you would like to receive this mini Giving Bowl (8-9cm wide, 5-6cm high, pictured to the left), please leave a comment below. You can either mention who you would like to support with your Giving Bowl change, or maybe share how you and your family choose to make giving a priority in your home.

Boring stuff:
•    Open to Australian residents only
•    Giveaway will close Friday, 27th January at 10pm, EST.
•    Bowl pictured is as ordered from Etsy, but colour may vary.
•    Winner will be notified by email. If no response within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected.

This giveaway is now closed. The winner of the Giving Bowl is Dannie from A Dose of Dannie. I hope you enjoy your Giving Bowl and I hope that the donations you make bring a cure for your husband’s condition one step closer as well.