ONE thing that has changed for the better over recent years is people’s attitude to charities.

I’m sure most of us remember a time when saying you worked for a charity in your spare time sometimes prompted a specific image of you as a “do-gooder” which was not particularly flattering. Giving donations was fine but actually doing something actively put you in a different category.

These days, there are so many charities to support – from the poorly and infirm to paying for new buildings or financing vital facilities at your child’s school – that the idea of actually getting up off our sofas to do something positive is absolutely normal.

In fact, taking part in a sponsored event has become the new way to enjoy yourself. The Bolton News regularly highlights stories of sponsored walks, individuals training for marathons or even Bolton’s own Ironman UK with a charity element to spur them on. It’s all about raising money for others by challenging yourself to achieve.

The challenges are very varied: from sponsored silences for chatty children, to monster cake bakes, or even just making time to regularly work in a charity shop. They’re all enjoyable ways of giving.

The common currency is doing something, anything pro-active, and supporting charities is now an element we factor into everyday living.

This was underlined when 20 couples took part in Bolton Hospice’s successful Strictly Learn To Dance event. More than 700 people watched the couples twirl and tango their way across the floor at the Macron’s Premier Suite to raise in excess of £30,000 for the Hospice.

The couples didn’t just arrive on the night and start dancing. They had been practising hard for many weeks previously, devoting time, energy and emotion to putting on the right kind of performance for the event.

It’s a safe bet, however, that they will say afterwards that the effort had been worth it and that they had a hugely enjoyable experience.

This is because there is something very satisfying in doing something positive for others in this way. This is just like any effort we make on behalf of a charity which goes way beyond simply sticking our spare change in a collecting tin.

And even though, no doubt, detractors will argue that we shouldn’t have to raise money for important services in this way in a modern society, there is still genuine enjoyment in doing it.