"I get really angry about the injustices faced by people in the developing world and it brings tears to my eyes when positive things happen for these people," says Barbara Adams, 76, from Bristol. "It is really emotional to know that I have been a cog in the wheel that has brought about change."
Barbara is an ActionAid supporter, making monthly donations to the charity.
"I have lived a lot of my life overseas," Barbara explains. "Not in the charity sector but in the business world. My husband was involved in the foreign service, so I have got an awareness of the conditions people live under and and their basic needs. I was really impressed by the way ActionAid structured its business – if you can call it business. I felt ActionAid really put its money to good use and I was very impressed with what it did."
Barbara feels that this is an important consideration when choosing a charity to support. "You don't want your money wasted on unnecessary expenses within the company – you want to know that your contributions are going to actually make a difference."
ActionAid has been supporting communities and projects in the developing world since 1972. Its work includes building wells to give a village a clean water supply, distributing fertiliser to boost harvests and educating women and children.
"I feel particularly strongly about the injustices faced by women," says Barbara, "and it is so good to get feedback from ActionAid about its achievements. To know I have been part of that change is a really good feeling. It makes me feel like I have done something really useful and essential."
As well as her monthly contributions, Barbara also gets involved in convincing governments to bring about change. "I write cards to send to governments to draw their attention to the issues that their people face. It feels really good to actually be doing something that might bring about change."
Barbara also feels that being involved with ActionAid helps to combat negativity. "To know that positive things are happening, even for a small percentage of people, is such a good balance to cynicism. It gives me a very warm feeling and also makes me feel quite emotional, it makes me well up to think that somewhere out there, with my help, justice is being done."
Immerse yourself in new feelings
If you are someone who is similarly moved by poverty and injustice and want to experience what it feels like to make a difference, then you may be the person we are looking for to join a unique immersion week in Rwanda.
The Guardian has teamed up with ActionAid to offer one reader the chance to experience what day-to-day life is like in a Rwandan village. You will be hosted by a family and join in their daily routines, while also being given the chance to explore ActionAid projects and talk to the people whose lives have been positively affected. Travelling with a Guardian journalist and photographer, you will also be guided to produce daily blogs about your experiences which will appear on this site. Find out how to enter here.
