Three charities you need to know about
A budget isn't just for spending, saving and investing. There's also giving. Here are three worthy charities.
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
What is it?
The Rev John Flynn founded the RFDS in 1928 after he witnessed the daily struggle of pioneers living in remote areas, where just two doctors provided the only medical care for an area of almost 2 million square kilometres.
Today the RFDS owns a fleet of 63 aircraft and operates 22 bases across Australia. RFDS pilots annually fly the equivalent of 25 round trips to the moon and the doctors and flight nurses are responsible for the care of over 280,000 patients.
Where your money goes
Your donation will help the RFDS save and improve the lives of people living, working and travelling in remote areas. It will help the RFDS purchase and fit out aircraft, supply vital medical equipment and fund essential health services and emergency medical services.
How to donate
Visit flyingdoctor.org.au or call 1300 669 569. You can also "buy" a patch of sky (visit buythesky.com.au) or purchase items from the online store.
Breast Cancer Institute of Australia's Australian Women's Health Diary
What is it?
The 2014 Australian Women's Health Diary is a fabulous diary for every woman wanting to make a difference - not only to her own life, but to others too.
In addition to being a practical, handy diary with all the usual features, it is filled with valuable health information to inspire women to improve their wellbeing during the year ahead.
Where your money goes
This special diary has raised a remarkable $9 million for the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia to support clinical trials research for the prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer.
Funds raised by this diary are critical to saving more lives from breast cancer.
How to donate
The 2014 Australian Women's Health Diary is available now for just $14.95 from newsagents, selected Woolworths supermarkets, Commonwealth Bank branches, BIG W, Newslink or your Avon Representative.
It can also be purchased online at bcia.org.au or by calling 1800 423 444.
Fred Hollows Foundation
What is it?
Named 2013 Australian Charity of the Year by the Australian Charity Awards, the foundation is an independent, non-profit, secular organisation established by Fred and Gabi Hollows and friends in 1992.
Working in over 40 countries and with indigenous Australian communities, the foundation aims to treat avoidable blindness and improve indigenous health.
Where your money goes
Since Fred's death in 1993, the foundation has restored sight to well over 1 million people in Australia and developing countries around the world.
Your support helps keep the foundation going by reducing the cost of medical equipment. As a result, the cost of cataract surgery has dropped to as little as $25 in some developing countries.
How to donate
You can donate funds directly to the foundation, volunteer your time to help out with campaigns or "Fundraise for Fred" at a major fund-raising event. See hollows.org.au for more information.
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