Proactive versus reactive donating
December 11th 2006 23:46
Why does it take a major disaster before people begin to empty their pockets and show their utmost support and generosity? Don’t worry, I’ve been guilty of it too but I figure it’s about time to be proactive rather than reactive.
I guess when it comes down to it, nobody, not even governments including ours, are really obliged to give aid – our hard-earned money from our own pockets – to communities and people who most of us probably have no attachment to and maybe never will.
Or is there? It’s common knowledge that we often take what we have for granted but, if you’re reading this, you’re probably a bit better off than many others around the world. So, why not give be consistent in donating a portion of your earnings to help those who need it most rather than wait for a disastrous event to occur?
I guess the one event that springs to mind is the disastrous 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake that caused the infamous Boxing Day tsunamis that hit hundreds of the coastal townships in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Myanmar, ended the lives of over 220,000 people, physically or emotionally impacted on the lives of hundreds of thousands who have a link to the affected areas, and the hundreds of millions of people around the world that it touched.
The physical magnitude of the earthquake and resultant tsunami was evident through the immense destruction of the natural and built coastal landscapes, but it was the response of Australians that shared the headlines.
The media and charity groups were rightfully ramming home the message that every dollar from every donation would help contribute to the rebuilding of the tsunami affected areas of South East Asia.
Numerous fund-raising events and concerts were organised with some of the country’s biggest musical acts doing their bit to encourage one of the biggest fundraising drives the country has ever witnessed.
The six main agencies – Red Cross, Caritas Australia, Oxfam, World Vision, CARE Australia and UNICEF – which closed their specific appeals in early 2005, brought in A$243 million of the $260 million raised in Australia, but how much has been raised by Australians for this cause since then?
Major disasters such as this happen every now and then and Australians dig deep in times of crisis, but what about the parts of the world where the struggle for life is a daily battle (parts of Africa would be the obvious example)?
These daily struggles should also be at the forefront of our generous psych, so why not donate proactively rather than wait for the next disaster to hit?
I guess when it comes down to it, nobody, not even governments including ours, are really obliged to give aid – our hard-earned money from our own pockets – to communities and people who most of us probably have no attachment to and maybe never will.
Or is there? It’s common knowledge that we often take what we have for granted but, if you’re reading this, you’re probably a bit better off than many others around the world. So, why not give be consistent in donating a portion of your earnings to help those who need it most rather than wait for a disastrous event to occur?
I guess the one event that springs to mind is the disastrous 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake that caused the infamous Boxing Day tsunamis that hit hundreds of the coastal townships in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Myanmar, ended the lives of over 220,000 people, physically or emotionally impacted on the lives of hundreds of thousands who have a link to the affected areas, and the hundreds of millions of people around the world that it touched.
Photo: Howard Davies/OxfamGB
The physical magnitude of the earthquake and resultant tsunami was evident through the immense destruction of the natural and built coastal landscapes, but it was the response of Australians that shared the headlines.
The media and charity groups were rightfully ramming home the message that every dollar from every donation would help contribute to the rebuilding of the tsunami affected areas of South East Asia.
Numerous fund-raising events and concerts were organised with some of the country’s biggest musical acts doing their bit to encourage one of the biggest fundraising drives the country has ever witnessed.
The six main agencies – Red Cross, Caritas Australia, Oxfam, World Vision, CARE Australia and UNICEF – which closed their specific appeals in early 2005, brought in A$243 million of the $260 million raised in Australia, but how much has been raised by Australians for this cause since then?
Major disasters such as this happen every now and then and Australians dig deep in times of crisis, but what about the parts of the world where the struggle for life is a daily battle (parts of Africa would be the obvious example)?
These daily struggles should also be at the forefront of our generous psych, so why not donate proactively rather than wait for the next disaster to hit?
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I used to work for one of the major banks and they had a scheme where you could donate money straight out of your pay to a specific charity and they would match your donation dollar for dollar. It was a great initiative, because the money just automatically came out of your pay before you even saw it. And even something as small at $5 per week, adds up over the course of the year and can really make a difference.
Comment by The Stool Pigeon
Giving back
Comment by Uula Limanski
Thinking The World
i agree with your point, as long as the money you give doesn't prevent you from doing things for you.
I say this because there are plenty of cases that these humanitarian helps get more money from people who need it, instead of getting it from wealthy people who doesn't give a fck...they say here that once you know what is to be in need for help, you're touched when seeing others in need too.
cheers. Uula