we're in October...winter is almost here. You start retreiting your rear to near the fire place, all cozy with your partner and a bottle of wine. Or two. You might even get lucky! If your single, you search for inspiration on the internet. Moving or static inspiration. I don't care. What i care is that YOUR ass is nice and warm but there's people, children included that struggle more than our society and governments should let, to have a meal, let alone be cozy or to even have a roof. You have to help. I didn't ask you to, i'm telling you to. Go to the charities in your area and help. Help them give a decent Christmas to the sick, the old and the children, even to animals! Hell, if you move now you can even help them have Halloween!

If your lazier than me on this matter (and it'll be one of the few you are lazier than me on, shame on you), and don't want to go out, here's some ideas, all UK based:

Action Aid - ActionAid is a unique partnership of people who are fighting for a world without poverty, in which every person can exercise their right to a life of dignity. We work with poor and marginalised people to help eradicate poverty by overcoming the injustice and inequity that cause it.

The National Deaf Children's Society - The National Deaf Children's Society is the only UK charity solely dedicated to the support of all deaf children and young deaf people, their families and professionals working with them. As an example, we help to ensure that parents can communicate with their hearing-impaired children. Our vision is a world without barriers for every deaf child! Registered Charity 1016532. Also, there is NDCS Challenges wich run UK and international, individual and team charity challenge events to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society.

Torture Care - The Medical Foundation for the care of victims of torture, a registered charity founded in 1985, treats and assists over 4000 survivors of torture every year. Offering a range of services unique in the UK, The Medical Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of supporters to keep its work going. Over 80% of every pound donated goes directly into the care and treatment of those who have experienced horrific mental and physical torture.

Action Medical Research - Action Medical Research is the UK’s most forward thinking charity. We have been making medical breakthroughs for over 50 years, supporting research that include; the UK polio vaccine, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy and the hip replacement operation. We are looking for answers to a wide range of diseases and conditions that affect young and old alike including crohns disease, epilepsy, premature birth and many more.
We have a full portfolio of exciting events and we have built an enviable reputation in cycling events. Our flagship ride is London to Paris which caters for 450 riders and takes place over 3 routes. It finishes in Paris in time to watch the final of the Tour De France. We also have a great selection of regional rides including the famous Action100 Bristol or Bath to London. We also offer treks, parachuting, team events, marathons and many other exciting experiences.

Practical Presents - Works hand in hand with local communities to provide sustainable solutions to poverty. And because Practical Action’s projects are sustainable, they go on working for years to come. Practical Presents is a range of 15 gift ideas that not only offer you a chance to buy a unique gift for someone, but also make a real, long lasting difference to communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The gifts range from £10 right up to £5,000 and include a goat, a bicycle ambulance, a bee-keeping business and also, training to help farmers administer vital medicine to animals such as llamas and alpacas – each one of our 15 different gift ideas will truly help transform the lives of people in the developing world.

What? You hate people? Mmmm...i understand you...i do hate people sometimes, when they're lazyer than me...oh, you prefer helping animals?...ok, ok (damn weirdo):

Compassion in World Farming - Compassion in World Farming has been campaigning on behalf of animals for better welfare and to end cruel factory farming practices for nearly 40 years, and we have a track record of achieving real change for farm animals. We carry out hard hitting political lobbying, investigations that expose cruelty to farm animals and high profile campaigns designed to achieve better standards and happier lives for farmed animals everywhere. Our vision is a world where farm animals are treated with compassion and respect and where cruel factory farming practices end. Our mission is to advance the wellbeing of farm animals worldwide.

Blue Cross - Lady and her six puppies are very happy and healthy dogs that all now live in loving homes. The sad thing is that Lady was very nearly put to sleep. If she had not been rescued by The Blue Cross, Lady, like thousands of dogs across the UK, would almost certainly not be here today. Lady and her pups are just seven amongst more than 6000 unwanted, stray and abandoned animals that are taken in by The Blue Cross each year.
This Christmas thousands of animlas lives will be at risk - The Blue Cross is working harder than ever before to find and rescue stray and unwanted pets that would otherwise be put down. In 2008 the Blue Cross expects to take in 400 dogs from other organisations that simply do not have the resources, or the facilities to care for the number of animals that come through their doors.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Charity that already has over 1 million members in the UK. RSPB membership is a great way to get close to nature and makes a fantatsic gift. Memberships costs from as little as £34 a year for adults and, as well as helping protect the UK’s birds and countryside, members also receive the following benefits: Exclusive members magazine 4 times a year. Entry to over 100 reserves. Free seed feeder or bird handbook. If members pay by direct debit they can also get 15 months membership for the price of 12.

Uh?? You just care about nature? Ok, ok...you're getting too picky for my taste:

Campaign to Protect Rural England - Campaign to Protect Rural England is currently trying to raise awareness of the impact that the major supermarkets are having on our countryside and rural towns and villages. Eating local food can have a positive effect on the environment, as the food does not need to be transported long distances – also meaning it is fresher and tastier. At Campaign to Protect Rural England we are work hard to encourage the supermarkets to stock and promote local foods, as well as campaigning for a nationally recognised labelling system defining what ‘local’ means. CPRE is a charity that relies on the general public for much of its funding. While we have many victories under our belt, there are so many other battles we could fight and win to keep our countryside for our children and our grandchildren, and many generations to come. We are asking for support for Campaign to Protect Rural England because quite simply, the more support we have, the more power we have to make a difference.

World Land Trust - The World Land Trust is a conservation charity that has helped purchase and protects over 300,000 acres of rainforest and other threatened wildlife habitats worldwide. You can help us save even more. £50 saves an acre of rainforest.

I hope you're not reading this, i hope you're already helping.

Today, is not only...

...is for everyone.