Ask not what your world (or President) can do for you, but what you can do for your world...

How to donate

The above link lists five major charities that Australians can donate too, but I'm sure everyone over in the US will get the idea...

Quote:

CARE Australia donations can be made by calling 1800 020 046 or going to www.careaustralia.org.au

The Australian Red Cross is collecting funds for its international body's appeal. Call 1800 811 700, visit its website at www.redcross.org.au or post a cheque to GPO Box 9949 in your capital city.

Oxfam donations can be made by calling 1800 034 034 or visit www.oxfam.org.au

World Vision Asia earthquake disaster appeal fund is taking donations on 13 32 40 or www.worldvision.com.au

UNICEF is appealing for funds to help those affected by the disaster, particularly children. Call 1300 884 233 or click www.unicef.org.au

UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, appeal can be accessed at www.australiaforunhcr.org.au or by calling 1300 361 288.

The Australian Foundation of Asia and Pacific (AFAP), based in Sydney, is sending a team to Sri Lanka to provide logistical support and coordinate medical shipments. To make a donation call 1800 007 308, download a donation form from www.afap.org or send a cheque or money order to PO Box 12, Crows News, NSW 1585.



There was A Current Affair (a current affiars show here in Australia) segment the other day, which asked the charities how much of the money donated would actually go to relief efforts. Make your donation count

Quote:

How much of your hard earned donation dollars are really finding their way to the tsunami victims? Today Tonight took a closer look at some of the bigger organisations.

It is staggering the enormous amount of aid that is still required to reach the millions affected by the biggest natural disaster of our time. From food to shelter, medicines and heavy machinery.

UNICEF is leading a mammoth world-wide relief operation. Its target is $130 million and its Australian chief, Caroline Hardy, said already Australians have generously opened their hearts - and their wallets.

"People can rest assured that all the money donated to UNICEF is going to field," Ms Hardy said.

"We've had individual acts of extraordinary generosity. One man called into donate $25,000 yesterday and another donated $10,000 today."

In just three days UNICEF has collected more than $2 million. But how can Australians be sure most of their charity dollar is reaching those who need it most?

Last week Today Tonight exposed how some charity consultants were pocketing up to 80 per cent of donations in commission so we asked five major charities where their tsunami relief funds were going.

For as little as $1.50, through UNICEF, you would be saving a life with a health care kit. UNICEF has already distributed 300,000 of them.

"The kits contain water purification tablets, oral rehydration sachets and high protein biscuits and that's initially the most important thing for us to get to children because water is our biggest concern at the moment," Ms Hardy said.

"Water sources are contaminated, if they start drinking contaminated water they'll get sick."

The Red Cross has so far collected over $10 million but secretary general, Dale Cleaver, said this time his organisation has taken steps to avoid a repeat of its controversial handling of the Bali Bombing Appeal when it was accused of sending $4 million of the $14.5 million raised to victims.

"We've learnt from Bali," Mr Cleaver said. "There were some key lessons that we took on board despite the fact that we were obviously cleared."

Toby Hall from World Vision said about 90 per cent of the money donated will go directly to relief projects.

"That's a fairly good proportion as far as we're concerned," Mr Hall said. "Obviously we have some costs of running but the main thing is to get as much into the field as we can."

Mr Hall said communication was the key to show what funds are being raised, the cost involved, and communicating to people about where the funds are actually going on a regular and informed basis.

Care Australia's Grant Thomas said 93 per cent will go directly to the needy with the remainder covering costs.

"Our ultimate aim is to get as much of the funds into the region as quickly as possible because it's an emergency and aid agencies aren't in the business of making profit from emergencies," Mr Thomas said.

Oxfam was the only organisation which refused to reveal the cost and distribution breakdown of its charity donations, making it difficult for us to recommend them.

Unicef: www.unicef.org.au
Red Cross: www.redcross.org.au
Care Australia: www.careaustralia.org.au
World Vision: www.worldvision.com.au
Oxfam: www.oxfam.org.au




Toll approaching 150,000.

Though the above article rightly points out, the true figure may never be known...

May I suggest to that those of us who haven't already...

dig deep - even if all you can afford is loose change.

Member of the Justice League Reality