Tag Archives: charity

How to Support Your Favorite Organization with Holiday Shopping

15 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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The holiday shopping season is here. If you’re like us, you’ve already seen the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from several major retailers. We know, we know, it seems like the shopping window increases each year, but you can take advantage of its early arrival with extra preparation time, sizable savings and an opportunity to support your favorite nonprofit organization – without spending anything more. Learn how to become an even smarter shopper with these free online tools:45749783_1042895462557318_4769862938020282368_o.png

AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon website that you know and love but allows you to an easy and automatic way to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.

To get started you need to visit smile.amazon.com and select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund,” then start shopping. Every time you make a purchase, Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% back to Lions Pride. Consider creating a bookmark or installing the Amazon Assistant to get in the habit.

GoodSearch and GoodShop

GoodSearch is a search engine powered by Yahoo that supports nonprofit organizations in every search. Every time you choose to use GoodSearch when browsing the internet, the search engine will donate one penny to your favorite organization. One penny may not sound like a lot but imagine this: If 1000 Lions Pride supporters were to use GoodSearch twice a day for a year, they could raise a total of $7300. Wow!

Similar to AmazonSmile, GoodShop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. The site helps you find online coupons and deals with businesses all over the web. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money. Most importantly, the operating costs to manage the site come from advertisers, so there is no fee to sign up.

Getting started with GoodShop is simple. Just visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” Then, you can choose your favorite stores, and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Who doesn’t love easy shopping?

It may be hard to believe, but the holidays will be here within the blink of an eye. If you prefer to do your shopping online, consider using one of these free tools to save money and contribute to Lions Pride when you check items off your list. With your continued support, we can work together to preserve, protect and provide for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects.

Happy shopping!

 

 

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National Estate Planning Week

11 Thursday Oct 2018

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Did you know that next week is National Estate Planning Week? We may not exchange Estate-Plangifts, share a large family meal or decorate lamp posts, but here at Lions Pride, we think it’s still an important holiday worth celebrating. Let us tell you why!

You may be surprised to learn that estate planning is one of the most overlooked elements of personal financial wellness. An estimated 56 percent of Americans don’t have an updated estate plan. It’s not uncommon to hear these phrases associated with the practice:

“I’m too young for an estate plan.”

“Estate planning is only important for the ultra-rich.”

“My spouse and I created our wills when we first married (35 years ago,) so there’s no need for further planning.”

“Won’t my property just go to my spouse?”

“Estate planning is too complicated and expensive.”

The truth of the matter is estate planning is for everyone because it protects you, your family and your assets.

There are several advantages to estate planning, including:

  • Saving you (and your loved ones) money in the future.
  • Passing on your assets the way you want.
  • Having the opportunity to support a cause or organization that you care about, even after your passing.
  • Providing financial direction, if you are physically or mentally unable.
  • Bestowing peace of mind to you and your family.

See more estate planning benefits from The Balance.

We understand that the idea of estate planning can be scary. Similar to life insurance, estate planning will seemingly bring up the shadow of the death. It may be difficult to hear, but postponing estate planning will not postpone death. One of the most significant reasons for an estate plan is to prepare for the unexpected.

Next week, National Estate Planning Week is the ideal time to plan for the future and ensure that your affairs are in order. If you do not currently have an estate planner, you can find an Accredited Estate Planner Designee by following this link. If you already have a plan in place, it may be an excellent time to review and make necessary adjustments. That might include naming Lions Pride or your favorite charity in your plans, living a lasting legacy.

Happy National Estate Planning Week!

Celebrate the Season of Giving with St. Nick

07 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Lions Camp, Special Events

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While we may not have any white, fluffy snow on the ground (as ofStockings Were Hung writing), there is no question that the holiday season has arrived. Yesterday was the celebration of St. Nicholas. Although the holiday is a popular one in Europe, the day isn’t widely celebrated here in the United States, and we think it’s time to change that!

The story of St. Nick goes back to 4th century Greece. Nicholas of Myra officiated as a bishop after dedicating his life to giving to others. Sadly, his parents died in an epidemic when he was young. With his extensive inheritance, Nicholas decided to use his wealth to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. Today, children leave out stockings or shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas and awake to find them filled with small gifts and trinkets. Of course, there is always the possibility that those who have been naughty will find nothing more than a lump of coal.

We may have missed the official holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the true meaning behind the season – focusing on giving more than receiving. Sometime in December, consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with fun, little gifts. There are endless possibilities for stocking stuffers – candy, jewelry, small toys, soap, notebooks, key chains and more. You can also include other intangible gifts such as a donation to their favorite charity in their honor.

By choosing to make a gift to Lions Pride, you can help us work to continue improving the lives of people all around Wisconsin. Your donation can help preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects – including eyeglass recycling, adult and children’s vision screening, diabetes education and more. If there is a project that is especially important to you or your loved one, simply designate the gift, and you can rest assured knowing that you’re helping the cause. Print the certificate and add it a stocking for a powerful gift that also gives back.

Together, we can all embody the spirit of St. Nicholas by remembering to include compassion and charity in our daily lives. After all, isn’t that the reason behind the season?

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

 

Support Pride With Your Holiday Shopping

30 Thursday Nov 2017

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Thanksgiving has officially come and gone, do you know what that means? The holiday shopping season has arrived and coming in at full force. Although Americans took advantage of cyber savings and rock-bottom in-store promotions over the weekend, many of us will take the majority of the next month to complete our holiday shopping.

While you are making your list and checking it twice, you can support Lions Pride with all of your online shopping without spending any more than you anticipated. How might you ask? By using Goodshop or Amazon Smile. Here’s how you can get started today:

Goodshop

Goodshop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. Whenever you make a purchase with Goodshop, a percentage of your sale is donated to your charity of choice.

Goodshop helps you find coupons and deals with businesses all over the web. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money. The funds to operate Goodshop come from advertisers, so there is no cost for you to sign up.

Goodshop

Getting started is easy! Simply visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” After initial setup, you can choose your favorite stores, and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Is there anything better than easy shopping?

Amazon Smile

Whether or not you are a frequent online shopper, you are more than likely more than familiar with Amazon. Where else on the internet can you get a New York best-selling novel, landscaping pipe drain, four-pack of wool socks and gift for your brother-in-law all in one shipment? Now, you can support Lions Pride with all of your random, online shopping trips.

Amazon Smile

Each time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates half a percentage of your purchase price to Lions Pride. Keep in mind that you will need to start at smile.amazon.com every time you shop to support your favorite charity. When you shop, Amazon gives. Bookmark it today!

Whether you decide to use Goodshop to find the best online offers or prefer to get everything all in one place with Amazon Smile, we hope you’ll consider choosing Lions Pride as your charity of choice. Together, you can help us ensure the future of Wisconsin Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects. Every online purchase can help us make a difference in the lives of people all around the state of Wisconsin.

Thank you for your continued support, and happy shopping!

 

 

New Year, New Resolutions

29 Thursday Dec 2016

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Wow! Can you believe it? We’ve reached the final days of the year. 2016 is coming to an end, and by this time next week, we will only have written 3 out of 365 pages of our new chapter.

most-popular-resolutions

If you’re like many of us, you’ve likely already been thinking about all of the good memories that the last year holds and ideas for changes or improvements in the New Year. According to the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, approximately 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions. And this year’s top resolution is to enjoy life to the fullest. (GO Banking Rates)

Although we love the idea of more Americans trying to make the most out of life, we think the resolution itself may be a little too generic to be attainable. If you recall, the best way to achieve any goal is to break it down into smaller manageable chunks, so we think it might be best to divvy up this particular resolution into smaller goals such as the following:

  • Exercising on a more regular basis

By adopting a healthy exercise routine, you have the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest by extending it! We’re sure we don’t have to tell you all of the benefits, but the highlights include controlling your weight, preventing several health conditions and improving your mood.

  • Start a new hobby

“Having a hobby is not just a way to pass the time; it can also improve the quality of your life.” Although hobbies can sometimes be known as luxuries, they are actually a fantastic way to keep your mind active while giving you a break. (A break with purpose!) If you’re searching for a new hobby, browse through these 16 options that will improve your quality of life.

  • Give back to an organization that you care about

As you know, charitable giving can help reduce your tax burden, but there is also a slew of other benefits including more feelings of happiness, reducing stress and protecting local community programs. In our opinion, one of the greatest reasons for giving back is improved life satisfaction, which would also fit right into the New Year’s resolution to enjoy life to the fullest.

Although we’re sad to see 2016, we’re excited to see what the next year holds. What do you hope to accomplish in the New Year?

Whether you set a New Year’s resolution, or prefer to take unofficial steps to self-improvement, Lions Pride wishes you much success in 2017. Remember that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Happy New Year!

Holiday Preparation Stress Relief

15 Thursday Dec 2016

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! holiday-dinner-prepWe’ve officially entered the middle of December, our ground is fully covered in snow, we’re slowly making our way through our shopping lists and likely have dozens of tasks that are in need to completing before the Big Day arrives. Is it just us, or could the most wonderful time of year also be replaced with the most stressful time of the year?

After doing a bit of research, it appears that we are not alone in our thinking. According to a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans feel “extreme stress” due to a lack of time, a lack of money or the pressure to give or get presents.

Fortunately, not all is lost. We don’t have to wish away the holidays, but rather take a few practical measures to minimize the stress that comes with the season:

  • Make a master list

    One of the biggest challenges of having so many items to tackle is that it is tough to keep them all straight. Make a master list where you have everything from presents to buy, goodies to bake and cards to mail.

  • Ask for help

    Often, many of the holiday tasks are assigned to one person in a household. If it just so happens, that you are that person, ask for help. You’ll get back by time by divvying up responsibilities and likely have more fun. Doesn’t enjoying a glass of eggnog while addressing envelopes with a loved one sound more delightful than completing them alone?

  • Stick with a budget

    Before shopping, determine a budget and stay committed to sticking with it. Remember, that money can’t buy happiness; it’s the thought that matters most. If you’re looking for alternatives to store bought gifts, create homemade gifts or donate to a charity in your recipient’s name, Lions Pride comes to mind.

  • Learn to say no

    Saying yes to too many obligations can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and eventually resentful. Don’t feel like you have to participate in all holiday activities; we guarantee that your loved ones will understand.

  • Take a break

    Although it may sound counterintuitive, remember the importance of rest during times of stress. Make time for yourself. Find an activity that clears your mind. Consider partaking in an activity that you can only do this time of year, like listening to Christmas music or taking a walk and admiring the lights.

We all agree that this time of year is definitely a busy one, but don’t let the stress of your To Do list stop you from enjoying the magic of the season. Remember to take a step back and truly think about the reason behind the season and enjoy every moment of the holidays. They will be here and gone before we know it!

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride.

April is Friends and Family Month

09 Thursday Apr 2015

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Lions and Lionesses all over the world are celebrating Friends and Family Month inFriends and Family Month April. Think back when you first joined the Lions Club, why did you decide to become a member? We bet your friends and family would love to know why. There’s never been a better time to introduce your loved ones to your local Lions Club.

We’ve compiled a list of ideas to get your family members involved in your group.

  • Plan an open house

An open house is not only a great way to show your friends what it means to be a Lion, but also meet other club family members, strengthening your own club relationships. Be sure to make it a fun event for all who attend with snacks and activities. Who knows? You might also inspire future Lions.

  • Educate yourself and others on issues you care about

We all have issues that are close to our hearts such as Lions Camp, eyeglass recycling, diabetes education and/or hearing projects. Take the time to learn about and then share why these issues are so important and the difference they are making in the community.

  • Volunteer together

We all know the quote, “Charity benefits the giver more than the receiver.” Show your friends and family the truth in the saying. Charity is something you can explain, but cannot truly understand the meaning unless it is experienced. Make a difference together by spending a day, or even a few days, volunteering. We know that sometimes a volunteering commitment requires preparation. The 8th Annual Lions Pride Shoot is coming up on Saturday, June 13, and we’re beginning to look for volunteers!

  • Give a gift in his or her name

Piggybacking off the last point, it’s never too early or late to show your friends and family the value of charity. Give a gift in his or her name and explain exactly what their gift will help fund. A donation to the Wisconsin Lions Pride Endowment Fund will ensure a future for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and other WLF projects.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and family while making a difference all at the same time. How will you plan to celebrate Friends and Family Month?

Don’t miss a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and family while making a difference all at the same time. How will you plan to celebrate Friends and Family Month?

The Story of Saint Nicholas

04 Thursday Dec 2014

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TChristmas Stockingshis Saturday morning will mark the beginning of the lightly celebrated Saint Nicholas Day. Will you and your family be celebrating?

St. Nick’s Day is a big holiday in Europe but is surprisingly not as popular here in the United States. The tradition first began in 4th century Greece. Nicholas of Myra officiated as a bishop after dedicating his life to giving to others. Nicholas’ parents died in an epidemic when he was a young boy. With his large inheritance, he decided to use his wealth to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city.

The tradition has since evolved in North America. Today, children hang their stockings on the fireplace mantel on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day and awake to small gifts of candy, games and other fun trinkets. Of course, there is always the possibility that naughty children will wake to nothing, but a lump of coal if they have been bad throughout the year.

There are all sorts of stocking stuffer ideas out there for the children in your life. Little girls can receive bottles of nail polish; stickers or jewelry and little boys enjoy candy, toy cars and building blocks. Would you like to add another extra special gift to your child’s stocking? We have another idea to add to the list.

In addition to small games and delicious candy, teach them the value of charity by giving a donation in his or her name. Print off the certificate and add it to their stocking. The morning of Saint Nicholas Day, you can explain to them how this particular gift helps others. For instance with a donation to Lions Pride, they are helping children with special needs have fun at a week of summer camp, an experience that he or she will treasure for a lifetime.

Embody the spirit of Saint Nicholas with a gift that gives back. After all, it is the reason behind the season. Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

Sources:

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/saint-nicholas
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/who-is-st-nicholas/
http://www.stnicksday.com

The Power of Goodshop

06 Thursday Nov 2014

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Goodshop

The holiday season is fast approaching. Today is November 6, how many Black Friday and Christmas shopping commercials have you already seen on TV?

Online shopping is not exactly a new way to beat the crowds and get ahead of the holiday chaos, but did you know you can support Lions Pride with the purchases you make?

Goodshop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. Whenever you make a purchase with Goodshop, a percentage of your sale is donated to your favorite charity.

Possibly the best part about Goodshop is that when you shop, you can find coupons and deals that you may not even have known about in the first place. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money. There is no cost for you to sign up because all of the funds raised from the website come from the advertisers.

Getting started is easy! Simply visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride”. Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.”

Lions Pride GoodshopAfter that, you can choose your favorite stores and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale.

Every time you make a purchase with Goodshop, you will be helping our efforts to ensure the future of the Wisconsin Lions Camp, as well as other WLF Statewide Projects. You don’t have to be a Lion to help so, please help as spread the word. The more people who use GoodShop, the more money will come to Pride.

Please email us at prideoffice@lionspride.org with any questions you may have about Goodshop. Happy shopping!