If we all gave a proportion of our income to those worse off we’d be helping to save 27,000 children a day from poverty-related causes, says philosopher and ethicist Peter Singer.
Melbourne-born Singer suggests that by giving away only 5 per cent of our gross annual incomes, we would each be helping to make a massive dent in world poverty. Adelaide-based organization Fair Share International is a model for sharing as it gives 5 per cent of time to volunteering and taking democratic political action at least 10 times a year.
Singer says the rich should do more like U.S. businessman Israel Shenker, who matches everything he spends on discretionary items such as holidays, with a charitable donation.
Suggested action? Take your last year’s tax return and work out your recommended contribution percentage. Then choose who you’d like to help save from poverty with your donation.
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