At some point in their lives 7 out of 10 people in New South Wales will experience or know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem.Helping to address this serious situation, Wesley Mission LifeForce is a national program that helps people understand suicide and provides them with practical strategies to help people who are at risk.

Suicide prevention workshops dispel some of the myths around suicide, and take participants on a journey down the road to suicide, allowing them to gain insight into how a suicidal person thinks and what the warning signs are. Participants also learn how to approach and engage the person, and who to refer them to for qualified help.

People who have attended LifeForce seminars and workshops include parents, teachers, social workers, psychologists, doctors, sports coaches, police, emergency workers, concerned friends, bar staff, and many others. Since 2002 LifeForce has trained more than 8,000 people through its suicide prevention workshops.

Rodney Cole from LifeForce said -

One of our key messages is ‘don’t wait’. If you see signs such as worrying behaviour change or mood swings, or detect feelings of hopelessness, then act. Put the invitation out there that you’ve got time to talk and use open-ended questions such as ‘so tell me about . . .?’ which require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Too often people see depressed children or friends and think ‘it will pass’. It may well do, but can you afford to take that risk?”

LifeForce also helps to build the capacity of communities to prevent suicide, and holds memorial services for those grieving over the loss of a loved one.
Help Wesley Mission continue to offer these services by buying a Wesley Gift. Each one you buy will help the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community. Furthermore, if you are buying it for a friend or loved one, they will receive a beautiful e-card to let them know that they have shared in helping the needy.

A Wesley Gift of $40 helps pay for a crisis phone counselling session. It can provide a sympathetic ear when there is no one else to talk to. Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland are there for people in desperate need of help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Buy a gift today and help someone in need.

> > Click here to order a Wesley Gift today

> > Click here to join the Wesley Mission Facebook Group

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

The Oxfam Fair Trade Shop is have a massive ’stock take’ sale on a whole host of their interesting and innovative gift ideas when you order online before the end of June 2010. There’s absolutely loads of bargains to choose from no matter what your budget, with gift prices ranging from -

• $5 or below
• $10
• $15
• $20-40
• 20% Off

There’s rugs, candles, incense, games, ornaments, cushions, kitchenware and lots, lots more to choose from. All these items are at knock down prices, perfect if you are on the look out for a charity gift for a friend or loved one. Simply click on the link below to checkout the bargains, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the Oxfam Australia Fair Trade Gift Shop.

> > Click here for the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Australians now have a very quick and easy way to help poor people around the world whilst also reducing their tax bill. By giving a gift donation of $2 or more to an approved charity you can claim a tax deduction on the amount. There is no limit on the donation amount, though you obviously can’t use a large donation to create a tax loss!

All charitable donations must be received by the end of Australian tax year, Wednesday 30th June 2010, to be counted in this years tax return. Though if your donation means you receive any goods or services in return, then you can’t claim for the deduction. Be sure to keep an official receipt from your donation as proof, and make sure you do it by the end of this month. To ensure your money goes straight to the charity, donate to them via credit card directly through their website address for speedier processing.

Many who donate money to charity feel much better about giving some of their hard earned cash away to people who are in desperate need of it. By making a cash donation, not only will you be helping people across the globe to have a better life, but also giving yourself the piece of mind that you are making a difference. The tax deduction is the Australian governments way of saying thank you for your generosity.

> > Click here for Oxfam Australia Tax Appeal

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Ben Lee’s latest music video has been created with WWF Australia to help raise awareness on the terrible impact us humans are having on the planet. The video was created by WWF’s ad agency Leo Burnett and was released to commemorate International Earth Day. The message is simple, that we need to live a healthier, more sustainable way of life to help preserve the planets future.

The single, Song For the Divine Mother of the Universe, allowed Ben the unique opportunity to help promote an issue close to his heart whilst also supporting WWF. The video itself is an attempt to make those watching consider what their day to day actions are having on our planet, and what the repercussions may be. Ben said -

The message is ultimately one of hope, promoting the fact we actually have a chance to make a difference, but must act today and live for one planet.

WWF figures show the human race is currently using almost 30% more of the worlds natural resources than the world can regenerate. The human race needs to realise the dire consequences our actions are having, and if a video like Ben’s manages to turn even a single head, then the combined work will have been successful.

Help WWF Australia with a Charity Gift

The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt an Animal scheme.

From as little as $70 you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.

> > Click here to Adopt an Animal with WWF Australia

View other top charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Looking to spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day but stuck for an exciting and innovative gift instead of the usual chocolates and flowers? Then why not pick up a unique gifts from the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop and surprise that special little lady! There’s absolutely loads of gifts to choose from, including -

• Oils & Candles
• Cushions & Lavender Pillows
• Dishes & Boxes
• Statues & Ormaments
• Jewellery & Scarves
• Bags & Wallets

Plus if you spend $60 or more on goodies before the end of Wednesday 28 April 2010, you can now receive free delivery. Simply add the coupon code -

TND1P1

at the online checkout prior to payment to take advantage of this fantastic offer (excludes wine and Unwrapped items). Simply click on the link below to check out all the latest excellent Mother’s Day charity gift ideas. You could pamper her with some essential oils, or get her all dressed up in some beautiful jewellery or a tasteful weave scarf. Not only will you be surprising your Mum with something a little different this year, but you’ll also be helping to raise funds for people around the world who deserve a break in life with Oxfam Australia.

> > Click here to order online with Oxfam Fair trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

WWF Australia is creating a petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to bring to his attention the serious risk that pesticides pose to the Great Barrier Reef. Designed to kill weeds, pesticides are being washed away into rivers and estuaries and slowly finding their way to coral reefs, where they continue to kill marine plants and attack the food source for animals that depend on them.

Due to pesticide pollution, the Coral Reef of Australia is struggling to absorb shocks and recover from stress. Pesticides cannot be seen in the water and are an invisible killer, causing harm not just to the reef itself, but also to the precious marine life that call it home. Thousands of species of fish, turtles and dolphins are at risk from these harmful chemicals that are making there way into the sea, and now is the time for everyone to make a stand against pesticide pollution.

By signing the petition below, you will be asking Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to strengthen the current review of Australia’s pesticides watchdog. If we join together now, we can make a call to action to help remove the stress on the Great Barrier Reef, and make a better future for some of the countries most spectacular nature sites and their inhabitants.

> > Click here to sign WWF petition for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Help WWF Australia with a Charity Gift

The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt an Animal scheme.

From as little as $70 you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.

> > Click here to Adopt an Animal with WWF Australia

View other top charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Earth Hour 2010, in conjunction with the WWF charity, will soon be upon us again with nearly 100 iconic landmarks in 1,000 cities and towns around the world will switch off their lights for an hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 27th March 2010. By joining the other hundreds of millions of people across the globe, you will be showing your commitment stopping climate change and helping the environment.

All across Australia, the lights will be lowered on some of the countries most famous landmarks for one hour to show support, including -

• Sydney’s Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Luna Park
• Melbourne’s Luna Park, Rialto Tower, Arts Centre and Crown Casino
• Brisbane’s Story Bridge
• Adelaide’s Town Hall and Rundle Mall Lantern
• Canberra’s National Library and Australian War Memorial

Alongside the Australian effort, some of the world’s biggest countries will ‘flick the switch’ on their signature landmarks as a show of support to the sustainable development in adopting low-carbon practices. These actions shown are crucial to highlight the need for everyone across the globe to help control climate change.

Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said -

The C40 suggests that cities are responsible for up to 75% of the world’s carbon emissions, so their role in addressing what is unequivocally the greatest threat to the planet today is absolutely vital. By turning the lights off for Earth Hour, cities are reflecting the aspirations of their citizens as a community that has resolved to take action on global warming.

With the lights going off on the Empire State building, Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids and many other world renowned landmarks across the planet, you too can join in and make your voice heard. Turn your lights off for just one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 27th March 2010, and you too can take part in the greatest display of civil action the world has ever witnessed.

Help WWF Australia with a Charity Gift

The WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt an Animal scheme.

From as little as $70 you receive a certificate, a print of your animal, a greetings card, and a soft toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.

> > Click here to Adopt an Animal with WWF Australia

View other top charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Oxfam Fair trade shop has just launched a brand new range of organic wines for you to sample. All produced in Australia, this awesome selection of red, white and rose organic wines will tantalise your tastbuds whilst also providing the fair trade stamp of approval.

• Wildstone Wines 2009 Sav/Blanc Sem (WA)
• Organic One 2008 Chardonnay  (NSW)
• Pig in the House 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (NSW)
• Grancari Estate 2008 Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
• Rosnay 2009 Rose (NSW)
• Tamburlaine 2009 Rose (Hunter Valley/Orange)

The winemakers hope to broaden their market through Oxfam Australia with prospects of continuing employment in some 35 developing countries around the world. These great wines are available in a mixed dozen, a half mixed dozen and two 3 packs. All of our organic wines will be despatched during the week ending 8th March 2010.

> > Click here to order online at the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

This month Oxfam Fair Trade Shop will be expanding their online selection of toys and Indigenous range of products, plus a whole host of exciting teas and coffee. Theirs Fairtrade soccer and Aussie Rules footballs, plus a wide selection of more traditional games such as hand painted skittles, tic tac toe, and even wooden ducks!

With a great range of both indoor and outdoor games, there’s sure to be something for everyone at that the Fair Trade shop from Oxfam Australia. Not to mention the latest cookbooks and delicious new teas and coffees available. The Indigenous range includes local spices, sauces and hand crated gift boxes which in turn creat revenue for small farmers who need the business to survive.

Plus if you spend more than $120 you will receive free delivery (excluding wine and express post) by simply adding the coupon code

ZC41SU

At the online checkout when ordering. Fair Trade seeks greater equity in international trade to help sustainable development of its producers. By raising awareness globally and campaigning for change, Oxfam Fair Trade hope that if people are given the choice to be ethical consumers, they can and will choose to make a real difference to people’s lives.

> > Click here to shop online with Oxfam Fair Trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Love is in the air at the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner now is the perfect time to get ’saucy’! That’s right, for a limited time you can now pick up an Outback Spirit Giftset of super sauces with 20% off!

The Outback Spirit Giftset comes in a presentation pack and contains 6 sauces and dressings, including -

• Lemon Myrtle, Coconut and Chilli Sauce
• Lemon Myrtle Dressing
• Outback BBQ Sauce
• Kakadu Plum and Sweet Chilli Sauce
• Wild Lime, Ginger and Chilli Sauce
• Wild Lime Dressing

These delicious condiments and dressings contain the unique flavours of Australia alongside natural indigenous food ingredients that are sourced from the country in the traditional manner. Not only are all these sauces gluten
free, but the ingredients are harvested from remote wilderness regions and provide an important income stream for local farmers.

There is also a wide selection of Valentine’s gifts available from Oxfam Australia, so why not spoil that special someone in your life with something unique from the Fair Trade shop? Choose from, indigenous bangles, soaps, incense, and heart shaped candles. There really is something for everyone at the Oxfam Shop Trade Shop this Valentine’s Day.

> > Click here to shop online with Oxfam Fair Trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."