deserve a medal

To warrant recognition for persevering through a challenging or tedious situation. This phrase is usually used humorously. Our realtor deserves a medal for putting up with all of our questions today. Has my mother been complaining like that all day? Wow, you deserve a medal for being so patient with her. I think I deserve a medal for taking three toddlers to the park by myself.

deserving cause

A cause that merits attention, aid, or action due to an inherent goodness of values or intention. The lawyer decided to waive her fees because she felt that the young man's case was a deserving cause. Every little bit helps! It's for charity, so you know your money's going to a deserving cause. I'll do anything I can to help—keeping arts and music education alive in schools is such a deserving cause.