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Sadly, Oxfam has been proven to be one of the biggest rip off charity merchants of all time, which is why I absolutely will not give them anything.

The best thing I ever saw was a guy in the village here, with a highly paid job who, during the Roumanian crisis took time off, put himself where his mouth was, and that was pretty objectionable sometimes, lobbied us all, got donations of things that were needed, organised transport and got it out there himself with other volunteers.  Now, we might not have the dosh to organise a plane out there but, with a little of the determination he showed, and he did it several times not just the once, things might be helped.  I have to say, from thinking he was a mouthy prat, he gained a tremendous amount of my respect and that of many others who had felt the same.  When it came down to it, his heart, mind and determination proved his worth.

Hi Muddyboots

QuoteOxfam has been proven to be one of the biggest rip off charity merchants of all time

It's odd how perspectives differ - sorry, I'll not let your statement stand as the only comment.  Another pov, having seen their operations "in the field" in several countries, in emergency relief work and long-term development.

- Extremely professional, effective and efficient;
- Superb in their work with poor communities and groups;
- An extraordinarily high calibre of personnel, local and expatriate;
- Good at cooperation and coordination.

They have earned an immense credibility and respect --- "in the field", amongst other agencies, in countries where they operate, and with groups/communities they work with/support. 

Yes, of course I can think of occasions when the organisation has fallen from its extremely high standards; inevitable with an organisation that size.  But nothing to merit/explain the strange contrast with such a negative reputation "at home"?

Ah well - different perspectives; I've seen 'em at work, and would unhesitatingly support them :-)

All best - Gavin

Here’s an interesting read on behalf of the Director of Oxfam, she has got to be worth a few bob out of the kitty.     http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/degree_days/degree_2003/Winter/stocking.html

Hats off to anyone & everyone who does charity or voluntary work.  I volunteered for Social Services for three years before taking on a wage and it was fantastically rewarding. 

At the end of the day, all charities provide millions of people with things they would never ordinarily get - shouldn't that be the ONLY thing it's all about?

Sam.

MAY I PUT IN MY PENNYWORTH.

CAN WE ALSO REMEMBER THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WORK VERY HARD FOR THESE DREADFUL DISASTERS AND TAKE NOT ONE PENNY, BUT GIVE AN AWFUL LOT IN RETURN SHOULD WE NOT ALSO BE PRAISING THEIR EFFORTS.
DONT LETS GIVE THE THIEVING BAST**DS ALL THE SPACE.

I have to admit I was reduced to tears whilst watching the news tonight when I saw a poor woman clinging to the BBC correspondent sobbing as she had lost her husband, four children, her home and all her possessions.  If anyone wasn't moved by that they must have a heart of stone!  So glad I have donated.

I am still waiting to see if my friends who live out there are safe. The one is a distinguished medical doctor. My father's village is 8 miles inland from the south coast (Matara district) where I think we still have distant family.

The family who live almost opposite my mum are Sri Lankan and have lost family and friends.  They posted letters through all the doors down the street asking for donations of clothes as they are going out on Thursday as part of the aid mission.  Mum spoke to my auntie in Australia and she had heard that altho they need clothes and other essentials, they also need things for the kids to help them get back to some sort of normality, things like pens and pencils.  Well, dad was a milkman and pencils were a speciality in our house, so mum sorted out a carrier bag full and took them along to the family.  The whole road has been pulling together and donating alsorts of things.

I saw the kids on telly today, those who watched their parents get washed away....or those who have no idea if their parents are dead or alive....there is nothing I can say...........

Dear multiveg i do hope your friends are safe,and any family you have .
Do let us know of any news won`t you.  Best wishes   Rosebud. :(

Our local Radio Station is begging us not to send items of clothing or any other type of goods as they are not essential and cannot be easily distributed or safely packed in haste, there are suppliers working all hours putting together desperately needed well packed medical, food and other urgent supplies, so money is what is needed most to get these items out promptly.

We've got a local St. Johns that are collecting things rather than money. Toothbrushes , toothpaste etc. I prefer giving this way, in fact they've asked not to give more clothes but more toiletries.

Don't know if any of you noticed the ad on tv for WAterAid - it's not a very big charity as they go  and is NGO (non governmental organisation) but does essential work meeting the most basic of needs - clean drinking water.

"In 2003, WaterAid was named UK charity of the year at the Charity Times Awards. It currently works in partnership with local organisations in 15 countries in Africa and Asia to help poor communities establish sustainable water supplies and latrines, close to home. It also works to influence governments? water and sanitation policies to serve the interests of vulnerable people."

http://www.wateraid.org/