Charities

Charity. Where does the word come from? What does it mean today?

Click here for a definition of charity.

There's nothing new about charity. There have always been people in need, like the children who Dr Barnardo helped in the 19th century. Nowadays, these might be people who are poor (more people live in poverty in the UK than in any other country in Europe) or people who have other problems, like illnesses, family problems or disabilities, which might make their lives difficult.

Think about your life. What are the key things that you need to live the way you do?

Find out what Barnardo's thinks are the key things that children need.

For as long as we've been around, some of us have had shelter, warmth, money or food — and some of us have not. The "haves" can decide whether they are going to share what they have with the "have nots". If they do decide to, and give to charity, we can all benefit from living in a world where people in need are looked after, where homeless people have somewhere to sleep and where people have enough to eat.

So, how do you feel about "have nots"? Which of these three comments is closest to your point of view?

If you're religious, your faith might give you the answer. Islam tells believers to give 10 per cent of their wealth to those in need. Judaism says that all Jews should provide for those less fortunate than themselves. Christianity has the line that 'the greatest of these is charity' — although the word as it was used in the Bible meant something a bit different then.

And what about everyone else? What proportion of adults living in the UK gives to charity?