YourValentine 14.01.2010 05:25 |
I know that I will get some flippant answers to this but I cannot be silent watching the unimaginable misery and devastation in Haiti after the horrible earthquake. Every little contribution and donation can help to save lives and to heal the wounds. CNN has a page where you can pick an honest and trustable organization link My trusted organization is doctors without borders link but any other charity organization is just fine. Only 5 $ might make a difference when enough people find it in their hearts to give. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 14.01.2010 06:05 |
http://shelterbox.org/ this one is one from Helston Cornwall [next village to where i live] and goes direct to the disaster areas so it doesnt get lost in red tape OR into other peoples pockets.they are currently sending supplies,with their own team to Haiti to help in the disaster area. |
Micrówave 14.01.2010 16:33 |
After seeing what happened with my (and others) donations during Katrina, I'll pass. Why do people actually think that some charitable organization is going to take their $5 and put it to good use? Has their ever been any proof that this has actually happened? For example: It was enlightening to meet a group of youngsters fresh from Katrina. They came to Dallas with their $2000 and partied all night and all got tattoos. Yes, that was money given to victims to help them through the worst natural disaster in US history. Then came the headlines about the mismanagement of money given to the Red Cross. There was so much pouring in, they didn't know what to do with it. They didn't even report the correct amount to Uncle Sam and got into another pickle there. The fifth ward still looks like a warzone, plus there are thousands of unoccupied, new Trailer Homes tied up in red tape some fifteen miles outside New Orleans... just sitting there. The roaches that moved in have made themselves comfortable and some even have cable. Remember about four years ago when it was discovered that The United Way launched a huge campaign to drum up donations. 60% of that money raised went to pay employees to raise the money in the first place! Yet, they called themselves a non-profit organization and didn't have to pay taxes (but their employees did!!!). So go ahead, send your five bucks. I'll bet you five bucks it never makes it to Haiti. And Joxer... the airport's closed. How is that food getting there? |
Micrówave 14.01.2010 16:43 |
(CNN) -- Twitter was buzzing Thursday morning with news that several airlines are flying doctors and nurses to Haiti free of charge to help with relief efforts there in the wake of Tuesday's devastating earthquake. The only problem: The rumors are false, an American Airlines spokesman says. "Last night's hoax on Twitter about American and JetBlue flying doctors and nurses to Haiti for free was just that -- a hoax. We don't know who is responsible, but it's a very low thing to do," airline spokesman Tim Smith said in e-mails sent Thursday. Twitter users also circulated a rumor that UPS would ship for free any package under 50 lbs. to Haiti. In a blog post Wednesday on UPS's Web site, a spokeswoman debunked the rumor and said that destruction of Haiti's roads and communications networks "means our own shipping services to Haiti are on hold." See? |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 14.01.2010 18:03 |
Micrówave wrote: After seeing what happened with my (and others) donations during Katrina, I'll pass. Why do people actually think that some charitable organization is going to take their $5 and put it to good use? Has their ever been any proof that this has actually happened? For example: It was enlightening to meet a group of youngsters fresh from Katrina. They came to Dallas with their $2000 and partied all night and all got tattoos. Yes, that was money given to victims to help them through the worst natural disaster in US history. Then came the headlines about the mismanagement of money given to the Red Cross. There was so much pouring in, they didn't know what to do with it. They didn't even report the correct amount to Uncle Sam and got into another pickle there. The fifth ward still looks like a warzone, plus there are thousands of unoccupied, new Trailer Homes tied up in red tape some fifteen miles outside New Orleans... just sitting there. The roaches that moved in have made themselves comfortable and some even have cable. Remember about four years ago when it was discovered that The United Way launched a huge campaign to drum up donations. 60% of that money raised went to pay employees to raise the money in the first place! Yet, they called themselves a non-profit organization and didn't have to pay taxes (but their employees did!!!). So go ahead, send your five bucks. I'll bet you five bucks it never makes it to Haiti. And Joxer... the airport's closed. How is that food getting there?via the US Navy in Florida |
Mr.Jingles 14.01.2010 20:29 |
I'm not going to tell you what charity you should donate to, but I hope this link helps. link This website is a charity watchdog group that rates different charities in terms of efficiency, and how much money goes directly to the programs instead of fund raising and administrative expenses. |
«¤~Mrš. BÃD GÛŸ~¤» 14.01.2010 21:50 |
Micrówave wrote: After seeing what happened with my (and others) donations during Katrina, I'll pass. Why do people actually think that some charitable organization is going to take their $5 and put it to good use? Has their ever been any proof that this has actually happened? For example: It was enlightening to meet a group of youngsters fresh from Katrina. They came to Dallas with their $2000 and partied all night and all got tattoos. Yes, that was money given to victims to help them through the worst natural disaster in US history. Then came the headlines about the mismanagement of money given to the Red Cross. There was so much pouring in, they didn't know what to do with it. They didn't even report the correct amount to Uncle Sam and got into another pickle there. The fifth ward still looks like a warzone, plus there are thousands of unoccupied, new Trailer Homes tied up in red tape some fifteen miles outside New Orleans... just sitting there. The roaches that moved in have made themselves comfortable and some even have cable. Remember about four years ago when it was discovered that The United Way launched a huge campaign to drum up donations. 60% of that money raised went to pay employees to raise the money in the first place! Yet, they called themselves a non-profit organization and didn't have to pay taxes (but their employees did!!!). So go ahead, send your five bucks. I'll bet you five bucks it never makes it to Haiti. And Joxer... the airport's closed. How is that food getting there? I'll bet you five bucks your real name is Ebenezer Scrooge! |
Micrówave 14.01.2010 23:38 |
via the US Navy in Florida The port is closed, as well. Actually, there's not much of it left. And you're saying our military is arranging this deal?!? Hope they didn't send milk or eggs. |
Micrówave 15.01.2010 00:12 |
uh-oh. See? Here we go again!!! Bush was at the football game, you can't blame him this time!!! |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 15.01.2010 05:16 |
Micrówave wrote:Shelterbox are sending aid like tents and supplies but not food [as far as i am aware]via the US Navy in FloridaThe port is closed, as well. Actually, there's not much of it left. And you're saying our military is arranging this deal?!? Hope they didn't send milk or eggs. |
YourValentine 15.01.2010 06:46 |
1. I was not talking about bogus emails with fake charity addresses or twitter rubbish. I am talking about donating to well established and trustworthy relief organizations. 2. It's true that the late and insufficient response to the Katrina devastation was an embarrassment for the USA. International organizations usually do not give money to the victims, they send drinking water facilities, medication, food, mobile hospitals, search and rescue teams etc. The situation in Haiti is so terrible because the capital was destroyed, the airport was partly destroyed, there is virtually no usable infrastructure and the UN headquarter was destroyed, too. As Mr. Jingles pointed out, there are links to trustable charities which will accept your donations und use them efficiently. The shelter box seems to be a great idea, too. 3. To say that donations are useless because of 2 or 3 people wasted their relief money in the USA after Katrina is like telling us that it's useless to care about our children because some kids become criminals although they had an education. It's the rule that coiunts and not the exception. To see the cruel pictures from Haiti and discuss about mismanagement in the Red Cross USA years ago is the wrong answer imo. Now the people need water, food, shelter, medical help and a chance to bury their dead. |
magicalfreddiemercury 15.01.2010 07:10 |
Regarding reputable organizations... if you've donated to a specific charity in the past and trust them, they probably have a specific 'donate now' button for this tragedy. I trust Save the Children and while I know my dollars won't go directly to the people (since cash isn't really what they need at the moment anyway), I also know (believe) it will be spent in ways that will help them. Twenty in my pocket? Or twenty out there with a chance to help? I'll take my chances. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 15.01.2010 08:39 |
for those that are interested i am posting updates from Shelterbox on my facebook,theyve just got their first delivery to Haiti and are setting up camps for the refugees but they still need support from donations as these supplies are not cheap. |
Yara 15.01.2010 09:17 |
I've been donating to "Doctors Without Borders", and it seems they make quite a good job. I guess Oxfam and Red Cross are very good calls too. These org. have both the skill and the experience needed to make a difference on the ground. But trying to get your own government engaged is also very important - Haiti is in bad need of machinery, security and infra-structure in general, i.e, things and services which governments are usually more apt to provide than NGOs. We're talking about a death toll of probably 100.000 people or more, and things tend to get worse as time passes. It's a very sad tragedy. |
«¤~Mrš. BÃD GÛŸ~¤» 15.01.2010 12:16 |
Its devastating watching the news. Obviously if your going to donate monies you should only donate though a registered charity. Red Cross, World Vision to name a few. I'm proud that my country is really pulling together and doing their part in this terrible disaster. The Canadian government is matching dollar for dollar to what ever is donated by the general public. They've also sent in the Canadian military airplane "Hercules" to fly the 6000 Canadians that were living there out. DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) is heading in to provide drinking water and medical treatment. |
*goodco* 15.01.2010 14:14 |
Our donation was sent a couple of days ago. Corruption, sadly, occurs in EVERY organization, to one degree or another.....as long as MOST of what we sent is used for its intent, we'll feel satisfied. We understand completely the doubtful nature many have of donations reaching their intended targets. Unlike Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh.....good gawd, what continues to be wrong with these unfeeling, inconsiderate, hateful, and outright hypocritical individuals? Aid is being used to help.......people.........and religious people...........and, gosh, ..........American people of faith. Even if they're agnostic, who gives a flying eff? They are, you almighty and uncaring buffoons, people in need. |
Micrówave 15.01.2010 17:20 |
MIAMI (AP) -- Retired NBA star Alonzo Mourning has flown to Haiti to assist relief workers in earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince. He is joining former Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade and other pro athletes in an effort to raise funds for the recovery. Mourning arrived in the devastated capital Friday morning. In a statement first released to The Associated Press, Mourning says he is confident the athletes "can work together to make a difference." The Heat also announced plans to send money and supplies, asking fans to give in exchange for ticket vouchers to games. The Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed in Tuesday's earthquake. This is what they need. Direct involvement. How come a former NBA player with a bad knee can get down there and start doing something, but everyone else is saying "the roads are blocked" (UPS)??? "The Port is destroyed" (US Army) |
Micrówave 15.01.2010 17:31 |
Despite the strains on the US budget from the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars, President Obama said Haiti would receive at least $100 million from the administration.I've been trying to find out what other countries are sending. So far, we've got 2 million from the UK. It's not a headline anymore on www.germanynews.net and not even mentioned on www.france24.com Are any other countries doing anything to help? I'd sure like to read about it. AFP - Major US businesses have pooled at least 17 million dollars in cash an in-kind aid to help victims to Haiti's devastating earthquake, an association said Friday. The Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of large US companies, said aid pledges included one million dollars each from PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, which were offering bottled water and supplies in addition to cash. Your Valentine wrote: It's true that the late and insufficient response to the Katrina devastation was an embarrassment for the USA. Quite. But it was also an embarrassment for the rest of the world which just sat by and watched while pointing fingers at the Bush administration. It's time for other nations to come to the aid of countries in despair, The United States is not the world's only firefighter. Sack up, world!!! |
Holly2003 15.01.2010 17:46 |
I seem to recall Britain sent tinned food to New Orleans and the US refused to accept it, claiming something about mad cows. Having said that, I;ve been celebrating Uster's victory over Edinburgh in the rugby and I am quite drunk. Excelsior! |
Yara 15.01.2010 18:23 |
It's not, or should not be, a contest. It's about trying to give whatever help is within one's power to bring relief to the country. Most countries, the U.S included, and most respected NGOs have been responding formidably. The reaction has been very positive and generous all over, and that's kind of embracing. Some time ago people would probably be celebrating. Today the kinds of Pat are sick exceptions. There has been a civilizational progress, as modest as it might seem sometimes. |
Micrówave 15.01.2010 18:35 |
It's not a contest, you're right. But it's time the public was made aware of who is really helping out and who is just talking out of their Government asses. What's left of the Haitiian government has JUST announced the death toll is closer to 140,000 people dead. Most of the supplies are just sitting at the airport. The Haitiian government has to choose the distribution points. Then they have to inform the general public where that is. Next, the UN has to provide the security to pass it out. The Haitiian people are not being told this, they are simply starving to death and dying from their wounds right now. Bottom line, there's too much help coming in for the authorities to handle!!! |
ParisNair 15.01.2010 21:25 |
Its a hopeless situation when so many people are in need of urgent help and co-ordinating aid cannot be an easy thing. I was having a conversation with a Russian colleague recently, and she said she doesn't know much about my country (India) other than that we are always being hit by some natural disaster or the other - flood, drought, earthquake, cyclone, tsunami, exterme heat, extereme cold...you name it, we've been through it. And if that's not enough, terrorism and suicide bombing has been a contributing to a lot of deaths in the recent past as well. Everytime there is a natural disaster, many organisations try to help out Like others have pointed out, not all of these are honest, the government agencies being the most corrupt. As much as possible my family donates clothes and non-perishable food itmes instead of money. |
magicalfreddiemercury 16.01.2010 15:46 |
I must be living in a shell because I'm stunned by a report I just heard on the news... You know how people are using social networks like facebook to post photos of loved ones missing in Haiti? Well, now they're saying that sexual predators are known to use the info they find there to prey on children misplaced by disasters like this. They said that even after Katrina and the Tsunami children were being kidnapped and trafficked as sex slaves and such, and that predators were finding information online and in local papers. Now that I hear it, I realize it shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. The report sounded like an episode of Law and Order, SUV. It didn't sound real. I'll never understand the evil in some people. |
mike hunt 16.01.2010 17:14 |
just stick to the red cross, they're legit |
john bodega 19.01.2010 11:28 |
magicalfreddiemercury wrote: I must be living in a shell because I'm stunned by a report I just heard on the news... You know how people are using social networks like facebook to post photos of loved ones missing in Haiti? Well, now they're saying that sexual predators are known to use the info they find there to prey on children misplaced by disasters like this. They said that even after Katrina and the Tsunami children were being kidnapped and trafficked as sex slaves and such, and that predators were finding information online and in local papers. Now that I hear it, I realize it shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. The report sounded like an episode of Law and Order, SUV. It didn't sound real. I'll never understand the evil in some people.Aye, I remember that being a big news item after the 2004 Tsunami. Couldn't believe what I was hearing, to be honest. |