Six unusual ways to help others and take part in International Day of Charity

SO many people could do with a little lift at the moment.

Today is International Day of Charity and it’s a great time to think about helping others.

Here’s how to give back to those who need it most . . . 

SHOP SMART: Shop via easyfundraising.org.uk and earn for a charity of your choosing.

Sign up, pick your charity and when you spend with one of the 180,000 partner retailers such as booking.com, Dominos and Argos, those brands will donate a percentage to charity at no extra cost to you.

SPARK JOY: The M&S Sparks loyalty scheme works differently to others.

When you join at marksandspencer.com/joinsparks and spend, your points become donations and as a thanks, expect regular freebies and discounts off food, drink and clothing.

CARE GIVER: Nursem hand cream was developed by a paediatric nurse who often found that she had sore and dry skin after constant hand washing during her shifts.

The skincare range now includes body creams and gift sets and for every product purchased at nursem.co.uk, a month’s worth of hand cream will be donated to a nurse or midwife.

GIFT ’N’ GIVE: If you are thinking about buying flowers for someone’s special occasion, order them online via cancerresearchuk.org. Pretty bouquets start at a reasonable £25 and 25 per cent of every order value will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

WINE NOT?: Cracking open a few bottles of wine this week? Keep the corks and send them to the address at recorkeduk.org. The company will recycle them and donate a percentage of profits to charity.

TIME SAVER: If you’re on a budget but want to give back, give the gift of time. Either approach your chosen charity to volunteer or check your local authority website.

At london.gov.uk, check out vacancies for mentors or food bank volunteers, who will be much in need this winter.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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