Even in a down economy, the spirit of giving fills many souls. Most of us have tossed spare change into a Salvation Army bucket or invested a dollar or two to buy chocolate for charity. And we come out in force in the wake of natural disasters, using PayPal or texting our contributions to disaster-relief organizations. But do you ever stop to consider the net effect of your small donation? If you find yourself thinking, “It’s not enough to make a difference,” … think again.

In many cases, it’s not the millionaire philanthropists who keep most local non-profits afloat – in fact, studies show that wealthier people give less as a percentage of their income than non-wealthy people. It’s people who give $5, $10 or $20 who really make a difference. That’s what happened in Massachusetts, where an online appeal asked for donations of $15 maximum to help a homeless woman with a sick child. The campaign pooled enough donations of the maximum (and then some) to net more than $1,500 and set the family up in an apartment. Then their acts will do the same. Do the math. Think of the exponential potential. Then, think of all the small differences coming together to make huge differences.

In addition to the causes I previously named, I’d like to introduce you to another area where even a relatively small contribution will have a big impact. Through the Keep On Pushing Foundation (which I started in 2006), I support a breakfast program at my old elementary school, Drews Avenue Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica, as well as a school supplies program in ten schools in the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is impoverished and violent. Our 2013 challenge is to erect a security wall around the Drews Avenue Primary School to provide enough physical security for the children to ensure they enjoy emotional well-being during their school day…every day. If you are looking for a way to make a much-appreciated difference, perhaps you might consider making this campaign your starfish. To find out more about this project that lives so close to my heart