Sometimes the words ‘Trust’ and ‘Charity’ can be well abused. How often have you wondered when you give to various ‘trusts’ and Charities’ whether the money will get to the so-called beneficiaries of those organizations? Let’s face it, there are so many of them vying for your precious dollars. I am sure you have all heard reports of some quite well known organizations that collect large sums of money, only to hear that quite a small proportion of the money actually gets to those who need it.
‘Administration costs’ they say. Other costs are also quoted including very generous salaries to agents who work on behalf of the ‘charities. The example in the Herald today took the cake; well actually it did, literally because most of the cake went to commission and various other ‘expenditure.’ The recipients, those needy researchers, working to find for cures for cancer, received only 5% of the money raised.
This has to stop; plain and simple. We need to find a way whereby there is a central collection agency for such causes and then the money is divvied out after an application is made to this ‘body.’ Sure, people can designate that they want money given to their ‘favourites, but the rest can go into an interest bearing fund, administered by a non-political body, (if that is possible) who will have the responsibility collect and distribute the fund. This sounds a bit like the commission that distributes profits earned form Lotto and the like. Just extend this.
I know people will be questioning my logic, quoting all sorts of reason why this should not happen. Well, I am not suggesting that people cannot give unsolicited money to their favourite organizations. You would still be able to give directly to the Startship Hospital for example.
Get through these issues and let the money go to where it should, without massive ‘deductions’ for associated costs. One body, not many and the money will start to make a difference.