Articles and Speeches

Charitable Giving
10-Jun-05, Windsor Express Column.

"A walk along any of our high streets, towns and villages in the Windsor constituency, will confirm extent of our charity and humanity.

I am struck by the level of charitable giving. This applies not only to the money that we hand over but also the time that we give voluntarily to assist with good causes and in helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

People are giving generously of their time and their money and I believe this is a sign of our humanity.

Cast your eye around and you will see so many excellent organisations doing good work. Ask around and you will find so many people willingly assisting these organisations with their unpaid help.

We have the Thames Valley Hospice and the Paul Bevan Hospice, now combined in helping those close to death to achieve a sense of dignity and enjoyment in the dying days.

We have Help the Aged in Dedworth and the Chandler day centre in Sunninghill who so ably provide a place of fun and assistance for the elderly.

We have the Windsor Ascot and Maidenhead Volunteers, encouraging and channelling support to so many organisations across the constituency.

This is why I will be encouraging measures in parliament that encourage the continued support private giving and support to charities in the months and years to come.

It is the sign of a civilised society that we are prepared to give so much to help others, support good causes and preserve and promote wildlife and the environment.

May it long continue."

Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor