Recently, I shared a laugh with a restaurateur at a creative event when he handed me a champagne flute for my non-sparkling beverage. I joked, “People will think I’m rich,” before quickly correcting myself, saying, “I am rich.” Not in the sense of money or assets but in happiness and connection. Our mutual acknowledgement that wealth can be measured differently brought us both joy, and our shared mindset felt encouraging.
It’s undeniable that success is often equated with financial wealth and inherited or acquired assets. This perception is amplified by the status and power it attracts. But perhaps we’ve been measuring wealth the wrong way. During the decline of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine recognised the injustice of a society where the ability to accumulate wealth was seen as a mark of both practical ability and moral virtue. He argued that everything we do or are is imperfect. Wealth and power were not divine rewards, and poverty was not a divine condemnation. Enrichment, then, isn’t about the size of your bank account—it’s about how we embrace generosity, find joy in connection, and live with purpose.
Our community’s safety net is the quality of our social fabric—and that is worth its weight in Bitcoin. Social value is one of the most profound ways we enrich our lives. It encompasses the broader benefits created by activities, projects, or organisations that extend beyond direct financial impacts. Social value improves our quality of life, promotes well-being, and supports sustainable development. For those who trust their intuition, this isn’t radical; it’s what keeps us happy and healthy. It’s how nature thrives and how life has grown on Earth. Species that rely on each other can better withstand changes, such as natural disasters, compared to isolated organisms. Even bonobos, one of our closest primate relatives, share food with unrelated individuals to foster kinship and alliances. Cooperation creates stability—and enrichment.
At our core, we want to do good and act with kindness. But in a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to overlook opportunities to help. Sometimes, it feels safer to do nothing. Yet, ordinary people are capable of extraordinary good. Charity is generosity in action. It’s not just about helping others; it’s about enriching your own life in the process. Being generous and helpful is a deeply self-enriching act. As Anne Frank so wisely said, “no one has ever become poor by giving.”
The third sector—AKA the non-profit, voluntary sector, or civil society—is a cornerstone of this enrichment. The recent PwC Value of the Third Sector in Jersey report shows that this sector comprises 775 organisations with a workforce of nearly 10,000, including 5,800 regular volunteers. These volunteers contribute work equivalent to 1,700 full-time jobs and generate approximately £230 million annually—six times more than traditional sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fishing. But as the report rightly states, “the real impact extends beyond the balance sheet to many social benefits too.”
Despite its immense value, the third sector faces significant challenges. Over one-third of these organisations have less than three months’ worth of reserves. Rising operational costs and difficulty in securing funding are consuming their ability to plan for the long term or grow their impact. Many dedicated individuals within the sector struggle to say no or stop helping, as their values compel them to act. But this risks compassion burnout—and without support, we could lose the very institutions that hold our communities together.
This is where we must rethink wealth and how we invest it. To truly enrich society, we need to value the third sector not just in words but in action. Currently, charities generate 50% of their income from trading activities. Corporate sponsorship accounts for less than 2%, which will surprise many employees. Individual giving—comprising donations and legacies—accounts for 24%, surpassing income from grants (17%), including Channel Islands Lottery distributions.
To benefit from charity, you don’t need to be poor. Disaster can strike anyone—an accident, a diagnosis, a lost job, or even the rescue of a beloved pet. Charities enrich our lives in ways that go far beyond crisis: youth services, safe communities, protected natural habitats, thriving arts and culture, education, therapy programmes, advocacy, and more. This care is powered by the passion of individuals who give their time and money to create a brighter future.
But enrichment isn’t just about receiving help; it’s about giving it. We live in one of the most privileged places in the world, surrounded by natural beauty, cultural richness, and financial resources. By focusing on abundance and cooperation, we can create a society shaped not by scarcity but by opportunities for all. Imagine a future where technology enables us to focus on fulfilling, meaningful lives, and compassion drives the decisions we make for our communities and future generations.
If we wish to enrich our lives and the lives of others, we must challenge ourselves to rethink wealth, redefine success, and embrace the transformative power of generosity. Supporting charities isn’t just about money—it’s about creating meaningful connections and leaving a legacy of compassion.
As the festive season approaches, when most donations are made, let’s say yes to giving—whether it’s a financial contribution, time, or skills—and take the initiative to ask good causes how we can help.
By prioritising kindness, creativity, and collaboration, we can dismantle barriers and build a future rooted in fairness and collective strength. We are stronger when every voice is heard, wiser when we share knowledge, and richer—truly richer—when we put people and planet above profit.
@bethspoke
