“A good deed in a naughty world”

In The Merchant of Venice, Portia reflects that, “How far that little candle throws his beams, so shines a good deed in a naughty world.” The image is simple, yet powerful. A single act of kindness can travel further than we might ever expect. One flame can light the dark.

This week, as the Festival of Diwali is celebrated around the world, the symbolism of light feels especially poignant. Diwali reminds us that light can overcome darkness, and that hope, kindness, and renewal are forces stronger than despair.

At a time when so much of the news is filled with conflict, famine, and intolerance, it is easy to forget that there are also brilliant organisations and charities working every day to make a difference. Their light may not always make the headlines, but it is no less real, and no less important.

Where we see the light

Every day, we see those flames in the charities we are privileged to serve: in the comfort offered to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families, in the compassion of those who rescue and protect animals, in the patient work of those striving to solve homelessness, in the classrooms where teachers and mentors open doors for young people, in the thoughtful voices that guide us through matters of democracy and fairness, in the persistence of doctors and scientists seeking cures for illness, in the generosity of those who share food and companionship with people facing disease or hardship, and in the creation of public places, parks, gardens, and community spaces, where beauty, belonging, and joy are offered freely to all.

Each of these acts, whether large or small, is a candle lit against the dark. Together they create something radiant, a reminder that goodness endures and continues to shape the world around us.

At Goodwork, our role is to help these lights shine further. We tell their stories, share their achievements, and make sure that more people can see the difference they make. That is both our responsibility and our privilege.

And when the news so often brings stories of wars, of famine, and of intolerance, it is worth remembering, especially during Diwali, that there are also stories of hope, of kindness, and of people determined to make the world better. These are the lights that matter, and we are proud to play our part in helping them shine.

Learn more about the charities we support and the light they bring, by exploring “Our Work” in the menu bar above.