Every time a tragedy happens, relief organizations start asking for donations for the areas affected. Immediately, we also start reading articles by those saying we shouldn't donate because the money won't end up with the people who need help. So what is the truth?Most of the organizations asking for donations will use a part of the donations for their own operating costs, and a lot of this money will end up re-located to other projects, since you would be donating to the organization, not necessarily to a country. So should you still donate?
The answer is: Absolutely yes!!
Take for example the American Red Cross. During Katrina, it mobilized more than 244,000 relief workers for its hurricane response efforts, helped more than 1.4 million families (more than 4 million people) with direct emergency assistance, served more than 68 million meals and snacks, provided more than 3.8 million overnight stays in more than 1,400 shelters, distributed more than 540,000 comfort kits and clean up kits and made almost 597,000 health services contacts and more than 826,000 mental health services contacts.
Japan is now facing its biggest challenge in modern times. Its government is incredibly organized, but yet, the needs are enormous and many organizations have already started sending doctors (Red cross sent 400 in the first 24 hours), distributing blankets (about 50 thousand in the first 24 hours), food and water to Japanese people who have lost everything and to foreigners stranded in Japan. Most other organizations are sending supplies via affiliated Japanese organizations and getting ready to send supplies and volunteers to the most affected areas.
There are a number of articles from people who prefer to criticize those doing something than to actually do anything about it. It is much easier to find reasons not to do something if you can do it without feeling guilty about doing nothing. That way you can just watch things unfold on tv, say "oh, too bad.." and go on with your life. Though there are often things to criticize, most of these people have never bothered doing their homework to find out what these groups have actually done.
So why am I defending the organizations?
Because they have, time and time again, been of great support to those struggling during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. They have the infrastructure, funds and ability to mobilize that is necessary during emergencies. All of that is part of what you are supporting with your donations. And most importantly, they are international organizations, which means that they already have centers in a lot of the countries where the tragedies happen. That is also true for Japan which has several Japanese branches of these organizations.
Take for example the American Red Cross. During Katrina, it mobilized more than 244,000 relief workers for its hurricane response efforts, helped more than 1.4 million families (more than 4 million people) with direct emergency assistance, served more than 68 million meals and snacks, provided more than 3.8 million overnight stays in more than 1,400 shelters, distributed more than 540,000 comfort kits and clean up kits and made almost 597,000 health services contacts and more than 826,000 mental health services contacts.The Salvation Army provided shelter, food, water, ice, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, and hygiene products as well as spiritual and emotional care. It mobilized 178 canteen units and set up 11 field kitchens to serve more than 5.7 million hot meals, and 8.3 million sandwiches, snacks & drinks.
Both of these organizations, and so many more, helped relieve some of the suffering , and in many cases, saved countless lives, due to the donations from people like us.
Japan is now facing its biggest challenge in modern times. Its government is incredibly organized, but yet, the needs are enormous and many organizations have already started sending doctors (Red cross sent 400 in the first 24 hours), distributing blankets (about 50 thousand in the first 24 hours), food and water to Japanese people who have lost everything and to foreigners stranded in Japan. Most other organizations are sending supplies via affiliated Japanese organizations and getting ready to send supplies and volunteers to the most affected areas.Japanese people are the largest donors to foreign aid organizations in the world. It is time we show our support when they need us the most.
For a list of organizations supporting the victims in Japan, visit:
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