‘Light the World’ Campaign 2018

Light the World Through Simple Charity.

It’s the third year of the Christmas
initiative ‘Light the World,’ and the act of giving is even more strong.

Some of us may be familiar with this situation: “As I walk past the museums on Exhibition Road and then turn toward South Kensington Station, I am approached by a solicitor asking for a charitable contribution. I am sincere in my desire to give, but I don’t want to hand over my credit card to a stranger on the street. I also have many concerns: Is the charity credible? Where does the money go? How is it used? Would my donation reach its intended destination? Because I’m on my way to an appointment, I don’t have time for a protracted discussion. Consequently, I don’t give even though I consider myself a generous person.”

How Can I Give?

Starting in December 2016, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced its ‘Light the World’ theme, inviting people of all ages and religious backgrounds to share the good news of Christ’s birth and to actively follow His example of service. ‘Light the World’, based on a talk given by President Monson in an October 2015 general conference address,¹ invites us to be an example of light to the world and to provide service in ‘25 ways over 25 days’.²

Introducing a New Way to Give

For those who want to give, especially at Christmas, the Church has created a simpler, more creative, and truly fun way to give. Imagine if you could buy two chickens for £20 and donate them to a needy family in another country. As part of its annual ‘Light the World’ Christmas campaign, the Church has introduced an unusual type of vending machine that allows you to give specific items like goats, chickens, spectacles, blankets, socks, clean water, healthy meals and much more. Instead of going to a vending machine to buy something, you can actually give something. The Church partnered last year with a few charities to introduce ‘Light the World’ vending machines in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, and in New York City, USA.

‘Light the World’ Vending Machines Come to London

Building upon the success of last year, the Church will expand its charitable initiative to Great Britain. The ‘Light the World’ vending machines will be introduced in London just in time for the Christmas season. Those wishing to donate will have a choice of two different charities: internationally renowned UNICEF and Care.org.

The machines will be located outside the Hyde Park meetinghouse, just across from the Science Museum on Exhibition Road (64–68 Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2PA). The Church absorbs all costs associated with the vending machines, which means 100 percent of the proceeds go to the intended charities.

“Every dollar that is donated makes the world a better place,” remarked Joseph Carbone, CEO and founder of Eye Care 4 Kids. “Everyday miracles happen—whether it’s the little boy who can see his mother’s face for the first time, a child that actually sees leaves on a tree for the first time, or a child that can finally see to read.”

Now, this is truly a great way to light the world.

Curious pedestrians stop to examine vending machines. There’re not many places around here where you can buy a goat. The exciting part is, we usually go to a vending machine to get something. With these vending machines you can give something, which is unique and makes it simple to give.

A new approach to charity. £5 at a vending machine buys a pair of glasses for a needy child who otherwise can’t see well enough to read.

Christmas is a time where service brings a special feeling of warmth to the ending year. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this initiative, ‘Light the World’, has brought us great happiness in encouraging our friends around the world to participate in serving and giving to one another during the Christmas season in celebration of the life of Jesus Christ and sharing His light as the scripture describes in John 8:12.

The Saviour declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). “As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others,” said President Thomas S. Monson.³

Those on social media are encouraged to share their experiences by using the hashtag #LightTheWorld.

Please find ways to be involved more fully with ‘Light the World’ this year and share your stories that come from your efforts with us by using this platform to write your article for the January Ensign here: ldsuk.co.uk.

Notes