Not just for Christmas

When it comes to charity no one appreciates someone preaching from a soapbox about how we could be doing more. In reality making a commitment to something beyond your immediate sphere is difficult when you have a life, a family, a job. But if we don’t make time to care for our planet who’s going to do it for us?

Although the two individuals who feature in our cover story are working at opposite ends of the “glitz and glamour” spectrum of charity, they share a sense of personal responsibility and a desire to act. What they do is exceptional; making a regular donation, volunteering one evening a week or buying fairtrade products in the supermarket may seem insignificant in comparison. However, as we move into a new year, it is worth remembering that you don't have to be Bill Gates to change the world: we can all act today and influence tomorrow.