Donating to causes you care about not only benefits the charity and those it supports – it can also be deeply rewarding for you as an individual, too. Millions of people give to charity on a regular basis or offer to volunteer to causes that they believe in.
Here at Toucan, we’re no different. We see how charity and community work can help those most in need. Each of us have causes that are close to our hearts, here’s a few of the team’s favourites.
Matt, CEO
Cause: Social mobility
“I stand behind the development of soft skills in our underprivileged youth to ensure we can create a level playing field. We should harness disruption in our schools they way we do with our entrepreneurs.”
Our CEO, Matt, is a big supporter of social mobility. He believes that every child should have an equal chance to grow, develop and become who they want to be, regardless of their background.
“Societal and workplace traditions like unpaid internships work against social mobility as they leave young people in a catch-22 situation; they are unable to get a job because they haven’t got experience, and they can’t get that experience because they can’t afford to work for free,” explains Matt.
The Social Mobility Foundation is a charity aiming to make practical improvements in social mobility for young people. Providing opportunities and networks for 16 to 17 year-olds who are unable to get them from their schools or families.
Melody, Co-Founder & Head of Product/UX
Cause: Discrimination/Hate Crimes
“During the height of coronavirus pandemic, there was an increase in discrimination against Asian people, particularly the elderly. It made me sad and angry.”
As a child of immigrants growing up in Canada, Melody was heavily influenced by two cultures; her Canadian identity and her parents’ Asian heritage.
Much like other first and second generation immigrants, Melody had to navigate both parts of her identity to try to understand where she fit in.
“Discrimination is a particularly prevalent issue in North America but during the COVID-19 pandemic, all it took was a few words to shape and trigger some people into attacking those who are different,” says Melody.
Stop Hate UK is a national organisation working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Their main activities include awareness-raising, campaigning and delivering projects on issues relevant to Hate Crime and equality.
Maddie, Social Media Manager
Cause: Marine conservation
“Many people underestimate the importance of the marine ecosystem and its impact on the environment and climate.”
After growing up watching ocean documentaries, Maddie developed a love of learning for anything marine related. She is passionate about marine conservation and wants to give back, inspire, and educate people on our oceans. With several marine conservation internships and volunteering in the sector under her belt, Maddie believes it is inspiring to connect with people who are just as impassioned as she is about a cause.
The Marine Conservation Society is just one of many charities fighting for cleaner, better protected, and healthier oceans. Their goal is to recover the health of the ocean for the sake of wildlife, the climate, and our own wellbeing.
You can find these causes, and a range of others, on the Toucan app. Tell us about the causes you care about, choose up to three charities where you can set up monthly donations to charities close to your heart and show the world what you stand for.