I’ve written in the past about the benefits of giving – to the givers. Turns out it’s good for their health. Of course their giving also helps the people they’re reaching out to. Everyone benefits.

But here’s the challenge:

What about people who want to help others, but they just can’t fit in any volunteer work? They’re taking care of families. Most are working, too -- maybe including overtime or a second job. Please don’t think I’m leading up to suggesting they give money instead, because many people have no money to spare. Quite a quandary, right?

Well, actually, no. It just so happens there’s a lot they can do. That’s right, even when they have no time, no money. I don’t mean to belittle the need for volunteers and donors. They’re greatly needed. But so are the people who can’t be either of those things.

If people actively encourage others to donate, they’re providing contributions just as surely as if they were donors themselves. I can give you an example from something happening throughout 2008 at www.GoodDeedFoundation.org: Our cell phone recycling campaign, to benefit programs that lift women and children from poverty and find solutions to climate change.

When a person gets a new cell phone, often they throw the old one in a drawer. We have a better idea. With a simple click at www.GoodDeedFoundation.org/recycle, a person can receive a postage-paid envelope, mail the cell phone in, and in effect donate to causes that address poverty and the environment.

Now let’s talk about people who don’t have cell phones, or who wish they could do more than send in just one. Well, there are a number of simple acts we can suggest.

• They can encourage everyone they know – friends, family, co-workers – to contribute their old cells through GoodDeedFoundation.org. For that purpose, we have an eCard that explains our cell recycling program. The card can also be printed up for posting on bulletin boards.




• On our site, they can easily order one or more cell phone collection boxes and seek permission to place them in their work places, houses of worship, stores in their communities, etc. When those boxes are full, they just need to be sealed. They are already addressed and postpaid. FedEx picks them up. Not much of anyone’s time is needed. But the monetary contributions these acts engender could be substantial.

And you who thought you could do nothing could make a tremendous difference.

So thank you. And here’s to your health!

Benefits of doing Good Deeds

June 6, 2007 - 14:44

Submitted by Andrew Martin

I make you one promise. If you read this you will discover how you can be more successful in life and have better emotional, physical and mental health.

Your first question might be 'What is this guy selling?' Well, you can relax. I am a philanthropist, or as the Wizard of Oz says "a good deed doer". Someone who donates money and time to help others. I became wealthy as Founding Chairman of several successful companies you might know or see in stores, like Smartfood Popcorn, Annie’s Homegrown , Heather Trust, and others. So I don't need or want your money. However, it has been proven that if you volunteer time or funds to help other people YOU will have better emotional, physical and mental health. So you might want to look into how you can help others. Besides better health you gain better personal skills and have more fun with people. The following facts prove this and will be of interest to you. I'll be back after you read them.

Click here for more health benefits

I'm back! Great facts, eh? Well, here are two more facts that are just as powerful.


1.Humanity is evolving to be more kind.

WOW! Evolutionary biologists including Darwin have proven that the human race(like all species) evolves by favoring and selecting for behaviors that improve our chances of survival. This is what "survival of the fittest" really means. Kindness and doing good deeds promotes good emotional, mental and physical "fitness". It is very powerful to appreciate that the future of the human race favors people who are kind.


If you don't believe the scientists then try this little test on yourself.  Ask yourself: Would you prefer to have children with someone who is unkind or someone who is kind?


2. You are not alone!

There are tens of millions of people who do good deeds every day and help others. According to the US Department of Labor, 89 million people volunteer an average of 3.5 hours each week. They clean up parks, care for the sick, teach our children, fight fires, stand up for others, comfort the elderly, help in emergencies, stand up for our human rights, feed the hungry, and so much more that makes all our lives better.


89 million Americans do this and receive no money, nor fame. What they receive is far more valuable. They live longer, happier and healthier lives. They are happier and more successful in relationships which translates to all sorts of success in life!

Think about it and your own health. If you disagree please let me know and provide research to support your position, yet I also ask you to think about why you disagree. I will write again next month.

Until then, please consider others and help spread the word by forwarding this blog post.


Thank you kindly,
Andrew Martin,

Founding Chairman of the Good Deed Foundation