Charity Points

Whilst walking down the main shopping center of my little burgh i noticed that each and every charity shop had in its window a sign up requesting help throughout the week. Apparently, not enough people are willing to give up their time in order to help out good causes such as fresh drinking water for africa, leprosy relief in south america, and children in eastern europe. So what is the solution to this lack of volunteers?

I believe we live in the "what's in it for me?" era, and so i think an incentive should be offered. The charities would give out points according to how much time is donated, and in accordance with the quality of the time (i.e. an hour lifting heavy boxen is worth more than an hour manning a desk in an empty shop.) The points gained is translated into money off purchases at a range of shops.

The incentive for the company is increased business and increased profit.
The incentive for you is discounts and a swish looking plastic card.

Some may say that charity is its own reward, however, if that were true, there wouldn't be these signs in my main street.