5 Awesome Australian Charities You've Never Heard Of!

When it comes to charitable giving, it seems that there are an endless number of causes seeking financial donations and volunteer support. Most Australians are familiar with the Australian branches of large international charities, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and UNICEF. Though these charities certainly do excellent work, there are also a number of lesser-known Australian charities supporting equally important causes.

Are you looking to donate to a trustworthy charity this holiday season? Check out these amazing Australian charitable organizations working to improve lives around the world.

The McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation is working hard to improve the care that Australian breast cancer patients receive. Rather than simply raising awareness, this awesome organization focuses on employing specialized breast cancer nurses all across Australia. With nearly 100 nurses hired so far, the organization is getting closer to reaching its goal of ultimately employing "McGrath nurses" in every corner of our nation. A full 80% of your donation goes straight to this important cause, allowing for nurses to provide specialized and compassionate care to breast cancer patients in each and every Australian state. The organization, which is named after the late Jane McGrath, also focuses on raising awareness of the cancer in young women, as Jane herself was diagnosed at the age of 31. If you or a loved one has suffered from this terrible cancer, consider donating to the cause. Your dollars will improve patient care and just might save a life.

The Fred Hollows Foundation

The Fred Hollows Foundation is a charity that makes a huge difference in the lives of individuals around the world. Did you know that a full 90% of blind individuals live in developing third-world countries? Shockingly enough, 4 out of 5 of these blind individuals can, in fact, be cured of their blindness, given proper medical attention and treatment. For as little as $25, you can help restore vision to individuals living in impoverished regions of Africa, Asia, and other nations around the world. The foundation additionally works to improve the health of Indigenous Australians as well, providing health services to Indigenous peoples living in remote regions of our nation. For most of us, $25 is a small sacrifice to make for the return of someone's health, happiness, and livelihood. Consider making a donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation today. You're guaranteed to be changing someone's life.

beyondblue

Beyondblue is a foundation with a simple mission: to raise awareness and reduce stigma against individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. The organization provides assistance to Australians suffering from these serious mental health conditions, particularly through their phone hotline and online web chat services. Additionally, beyondblue travels throughout the country, empowering individuals to support one another and seek help if they are suffering from these often-crippling health conditions. Any donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible, and your donation will make a significant difference in improving the treatment of mental health conditions. This great charity is truly making a difference in the everyday lives of Australians all across our nation.

Save a Horse Australia

Save a Horse Australia is a charity true to its name. This incredible organization dedicates itself to saving old and endangered horses, many of whom would otherwise starve to death or be sent to the slaughterhouse. Founded by a passionate horse lover, the institution currently runs two horse sanctuaries, one in Beaudesert and another on the Gold Coast. For a generous donation of $1,000, you can save the life of a rescue horse and provide life-saving emergency care. For $10 apiece you can provide bales of hay to the many mares, fillies, stallions, and colts rescued by S.A.H.A. For just $2 or more, you can provide a tax-deductible donation that will provide for feeding, grooming, and care for the organization's many rescue horses. If you live near either horse sanctuary, you may also volunteer to take care of the horses, giving them the attention and care they need. If you're a horse lover with room to spare, you may also wish to consider fostering a horse through the organization. Regardless of your choice of giving, Save a Horse is an awesome charity for horse lovers everywhere.

Australian Men’s Shed Association

The Australian Men's Shed Association (ASMA) is a uniquely Australian way to get involved in your local community. The organization does not generally request donations but rather supports itself primarily through membership dues. The institution takes the traditional handyman's tool shed and turns it into something much more. More than 500 "Men's Sheds" have been set up across the country, providing a place for men to construct things, learn new skills, and chat with one another, preventing men young and old from experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The organization, which was founded in 2007, has experienced extensive growth in the past few years, becoming a popular centre for men's health and community programs. If you're a man looking to contribute to your local community while building your social circle, volunteering with a Men's Shed just might be for you.

Though there are many charities doing excellent work across our nation, these five are certainly some of the very best. If you've got even $2 to spare, consider supporting one of these excellent foundations. There are many Australians who will appreciate your support.