Why I won't donate to Haiti Relief...

[declansdad]

No, you aren't weird. But, some people only have a certain amount they can budget for donations. It may be that they have already given up "the wants" but still have a little after their bills and debts to give a little. I won't make someone feel guilty because they don't have the ability to take from one budget fund and put it in another. Some really do live check to check. I'm impressed they find the money to donate at all.

Too bad more people don't see it this way.

 

[Planogirl]

* sigh *

Old news now and completely understandable once it was explained. Sometimes the written word can be taken out of context.

 

[Planogirl]

I have to agree on this one. I wasn't including sports in my suffering posts. I only mean suffering in the survival sense (food, shelter, etc.) While sports is important, no one will die from lack of it. I hope no one took my posts that way.

Oh no, there was another DISer who mentioned that a child needed sports equipment. Your viewpoint is very understandable even if we don't all agree.

 

[daisax]

I too want to voice support for Partners in Health. They already have clinics there, they already have staff (including many trained Haitian health workers) on the ground and are keeping their mountain clinics staffed to deal with the influx of people moving up the mountians, while sending doctors and nurses and anesthesiologists from the Boston hospitals to add aditional hands and supplies to the effort.

And I wouldn't discount what our government is doing, either -- I saw video of them unloading heavy equipment which will be invaluable for clearing roads so that supplies CAN reach the people.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

My dd's school is doing a clothing drive. One day they collect jeans, one day shoes, one day t-shirts, etc. My dd is going through her drawers and pulling things out she has not worn or items that are now too small. I have to say we don't have extra $$ to spare, but we have an abundance of grown out clothes, shoes that are in excellent shape..and that is how we are helping the children in Haiti out.

 

[taylor3297]

If you want to give and want to be sure that 100% of your funds are used to directly used for helping you can donate at this website http://www.haitianchildrenshome.org/haitianhome/

Our church is 100% invested in this organization and has been since 2006. The Mangine family who are one set of parents for these kids, were members of our church. Luckily, our church had provided them with a satellite phone, so that is why we have been able to get updates quite often. Right now these families, including the kids, are helping to feed 500 or more people a day. You can also donate to http://www.joyinhope.org/default2.asp which also supports the Haitian Childrens home. All money that is donated at this time is going to not only help the kids in the Haitian childrens home, but also the people who live in the community.

 

[Pigeon]

Partners in Health is an amazing organization that has been saving lives and changing communities in Haiti for many years. They do it in a fairly quiet way without a lot of fanfare. Can they fix all of Haiti's problems? No, not by a longshot. But they have a huge impact on many of the lives they touch.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

Partners in Health is an amazing organization that has been saving lives and changing communities in Haiti for many years. They do it in a fairly quiet way without a lot of fanfare. Can they fix all of Haiti's problems? No, not by a longshot. But they have a huge impact on many of the lives they touch.

Meryl Streep gave a very moving acceptance speech last night at the Golden Globes, and she mentioned Partners in Health!!!!

I have donated to the Red Cross, but I am going to check out this organization as well!

Thank you!

 

[Disney Doll]

I have a bigger problem with celebrities who choose to do something like "Live-Aid" or "Farm-Aid" which basically means "let's get a bunch of us together and ask the regular people to donate money for the pleasure of seeing us perform".

Wouldn't it be better for them to each just write a check for $1 or $2 million and eliminate all the other stuff?

 

[zalansky]

I have a bigger problem with celebrities who choose to do something like "Live-Aid" or "Farm-Aid" which basically means "let's get a bunch of us together and ask the regular people to donate money for the pleasure of seeing us perform".

Wouldn't it be better for them to each just write a check for $1 or $2 million and eliminate all the other stuff?

 

[ColdHardReality]

I was searching the web for topics related to the Haitian earthquake, which is how I found this board/ thread.

I tried to back up some of my assertions with links to news stories, but I was informed that one has to have ten or more posts to be permitted to use links.

For everyone upset over one person's use of the word "hoopla" in an earlier post, I think that individual was referring to the media's coverage of the event and not the event itself.

Understood in that light, I would have to agree.

Anytime a natural disaster occurs, the American main stream media cover it non-stop for days on end to the point it becomes a 3-ring circus.

I remember the media were absolutely obsessed with hurricane Katrina and the aftermath in the Gulf Coast region for months after wards.

As a result, I came down with a case of "Katrina Fatigue." The same has set in with the Haitian earthquake.

It's not that I'm cold hearted, but in some cases, such as this Haitian earthquake, I tend to be more pragmatic than 'bleeding heart.'

I normally believe in helping other people, but I don't think the Haitians really want any help (my reasons, with examples, are given farther below), so I don't see much point in sending assistance - which to most people is going to sound very, very cold, I realize.

I do think a lot of people have a knee-jerk tendency to go overboard in their fixation upon each and every new tragedy, as though it's the latest fashion trend.

Hollywood and rock star celebrities are particularly bad about it; take a human tragedy and make it seem like the latest fashion accessory.

Bear in mind, I am not the one equating disasters to "trends" or "fashion accessories," I am saying that by the way the media and every day people react, they are the ones who make it seem that way.

Today's Haitian earthquake was yesterday's Gulf Coast Hurricane Katrina or Indonesian Tsunami. Back in the mid 1980s, the cause everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon for was support for Africa via "Live Aid."

In light of that, I do think it's a legitimate point to ask people who claim to by sympathetic for Haiti this week were they concerned about Haiti before the earthquake?

(Haiti was probably not on most people's radar screens before the earthquake.)

Haiti was a very corrupt, impoverished nation before the earthquake, and I fear it will remain so after the earthquake. I'm not sure that throwing money at the Haitians -even for earthquake relief- is going to help anything in the end scheme of things.

Haiti has been receiving billions of dollars in aid from the USA for years now, and it didn't improve their situation. The Haitians can't even rescue and aid their own citizens after a natural disaster.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the money being donated to relief funds go to the corrupt Haitian government leaders rather than to those who really need it.

Even if the people there survive an earthquake, they don't have much of a future to look forward to. Most in Haiti are illiterate, live in dire poverty, and I think I read the average life expectancy is age 45.

Do these people really want help? I have my doubts:

According to various news articles, even shortly after the earth quake, some Haitians have been looting, stealing supplies from one another, and their violence is holding up relief assistance (news outlets such as the 'Charlotte Observer' are carrying that story).

Some Haitians have been constructing road blocks out of corpses in order to hamper relief efforts (see 'The Washington Post' for more on that).

Based upon this kind of information (i.e. Haitians hampering aid to Haiti), I don't think an earthquake is their biggest problem. There is something deeply wrong with their culture and society.

Decades from now, that country will be just as corrupt and inept, and eventually, another earthquake (or hurricane) will hit, and they likely won't be able to rise to the occasion when it happens again.

Giving Haiti money now, or at any other time, is a form of enabling, in my view point; it's not saving lives, it's keeping the status quo going. These people are beyond any kind of financial help anyone can provide.

Haiti just appears so hopeless.

Mickey Fliers said,
But what did the OP expect to hear when they asserted that the disaster in Haiti was less deserving of their dollars than the kid who wanted to play soccer?

That's not entirely accurate. Asking for accountability is not a bad thing; it's being responsible.

If your donation, via a $100 check to "Charity X," is being wasted, it's about the same thing as if you take a $100 bill out of your wallet and burn it, so why mail the donation off to start with?

JerseyJanice wrote,
All week, I've watched CNN's coverage with Haitians stopping in front of the camera to say, "I'm [insert lovely French name] and I want to tell my mother/father/son/daughter/grandchildren [insert another lovely French name] in New Jersey that I am fine and so-&-so is fine too."
That is a huge help to those families.

If they're expecting relatives of theirs who have TV sets in the USA to see those messages, okay.

However, most of the power is out in Haiti, and most people there don't own TVs, from what I've read, making the gesture pointless.

VickiVM said,
Media is not doing anything different in how they cover this or other 'hot' stories.

Exactly - which is why their coverage has the effect of making it come across like any other hot, gossipy, trendy topic du jour, like Michael Jackson's death, Anna Nicole Simpson's death, and O. J. Simpson in the Bronco -which really cheapens it.

 

[Colleen27]

I totally understand and agree. I'm glad that there are individuals, corporations and governments helping those in Haiti.

But I live near Detroit, which has children with as little housing and as little food as an earthquake victim. Our economy has imploded and there are many in my state who are out in the cold.

One person can only do so much and we are all called to help the world in different ways. I feel called to this philosophy... when there is no one in my town who needs help, then I can help someone in my state. When there is no one left in my state who needs help, then I can help someone in my country. In the happy event that there is no one in my country who needs help, then I'll help other countries.

I pray for the souls of those who have died, whenever I hear of a tragedy. But if I let myself feel the emotions that each tragedy (big or small) deserves, I would be an emotional wreck. I feel that I am a more effective helper by focusing my thoughts and works locally.

Like you I live in the Detroit area, and with so many people in my own community in need, I feel very strongly that my limited ability to give is better focused here at home, on the people and causes that don't have Hollywood and ex-presidents drumming up support.

Frankly, given the socio-political situation in Haiti, I wouldn't be at all confident that my donation would get to those in need. I don't question the Red Cross, but rather corruption in the on-the-ground distribution. How often in these international disasters do we see gangs, thugs, and corrupt officials get in the way of actually getting donated supplies to the people and areas most desperately in need?

When I give to our community food pantry or "helping hands", I know that my money and time are helping to feed hungry families, buy winter gear and school supplies for children who wouldn't otherwise have those things, etc. When I give to the animal shelter, I know it is helping the huge wave of animals displaced by our foreclosure crisis. And since I can only give a modest amount, I do like to know it is making a difference. So that's why I focus on giving to local causes and organizations, and why I will continue to do so regardless of this disaster or any other.

 

[Colleen27]

If I hadn't heard about small children being buried under rubble and about orphans sleeping outside under threat of people robbing them of their few supplies then I could agree. Thankfully, no one in the US is dealing with something this horrible.

I don't think there's much sense in comparing degrees of horrible. Not a week goes by this time of year that we aren't reading about fires caused by space heaters and illegal utility hookups. Those parents, who in our wealthy nation face a choice between living without heat in our frigid temps or resorting to unsafe, makeshift heating arrangements, are in a horrible situation too, and the fact that it could be worse doesn't make it any less horrible.

To me a million people suffering separately, scattered around this country and dealing with very real poverty, isn't less horrible than a million people suffering together in the wake of a natural disaster.

 

[cheermom1]

I just want to say that I am so very saddened by people who can't just respect the fact that not all people can donate the same way or feel that should donate at all...I am not saying that anyone has to agree b/c they don't but at least give us the same respect that we give you for donating...

no one has gone into any Haiti donating thread and said "oh my I can't believe you are donating to this cause" but there have been a lot of of people that have done this to people who have said they can't or feel like they should give their money to something else....

all anyone asks is to respect the fact that is their choice to give or not to give...

PLEASE don't judge others just b/c they feel differently about donating to Haiti..

 

[cheermom1]

I also have one question: How many countries donated billions of dollars to us when 9 11 happened??? I mean think about that...I mean we do have a lot of people here in the US that could use that money as well...I am not cold or heartless just that I have to choose b/c I can't give to everything!! Which I am sure most people can't give to every charity that comes up...

 

[mikron]

Ya know, I've come to realize, that most of our contributions don't count for NOTHING towards the people that really need it. If I donated $100 towards Haiti relief, I know that that money would not make one bit of difference to the people suffering in Haiti. So, this is what I do...

I believe "charity starts at home". I was raised by a struggling single Mom who would have loved an extra 10 bucks or anything at times...When she was in the hospital, and I was 15, a neighbor came by and squeezed an extra $200 into my hand...I bought groceries with that money for my sister and I to eat while my Mom was in the hospital.

I have a friend who is a single Mom who got behind in her electric bill...At christmastime, I went and paid $200 towards her electric bill. She didn't know who did it, but I know it made a big difference to her.

I paid another childs sports fees for the year, again, anonymously, but I KNOW it made a difference.

My own family...My sister is barely making ends meet...But she won't accept a handout. I buy all of the clothes for her children, and their shoes. One less thing she doesn't have to worry about and I make it as a gift...Christmastime, Valentines Day, Easter...the girls get clothes and shoes.

I bought a homeless Mom and her two kids a dinner from Kentucky Fried Chicken. As I was walking in, she asked me if I would have any change to spare on my way out, so I gave her my change and a dinner.

I guess what I'm saying...These big charitable organizations...I have lost my faith that my small $100-$200 donations really makes a difference. Yet, I know if I do it close to home, it makes a HUGE difference.

And I'm not saying the people in Haiti don't need help. I don't have a solution to that. I just know that in hard times, I have put my money to where I know it will make a HUGE difference.

Ten dollars can't make that much differance to you then.

 

[Nancyg56]

.

I generally respect that others have different opinions than I do and while I do not always agree with the thoughts posts on this board I do like the discussions. I can honestly say that while I respect your right to post I do wish I had not read it. I have been posting on the DIS for a long time adn I have never said this before.

 

[cheermom1]

I generally respect that others have different opinions than I do and while I do not always agree with the thoughts posts on this board I do like the discussions. I can honestly say that while I respect your right to post I do wish I had not read it. I have been posting on the DIS for a long time adn I have never said this before.

Why I'm a little confused as the post you quoted is deleted? Oh i see ..is it b/c it was the truth or b/c you didn't want to hear the truth or b/c you don;t think it is the truth...personally I don't know but I think I'll have to do some research to find out...

 

[Shutterbug]

I also have one question: How many countries donated billions of dollars to us when 9 11 happened??? I mean think about that...I mean we do have a lot of people here in the US that could use that money as well...I am not cold or heartless just that I have to choose b/c I can't give to everything!! Which I am sure most people can't give to every charity that comes up...

Also did other countries donate aid when Katrina wiped out the Mississippi and NO?

I dont know the answer to that..but I am betting it wasnt it alot if any.

America is expected to give and give to other countries. If we dont we are just considered selfish Americans that dont care about the rest of the world

 

[Costumesaremylife]

Haiti was a very corrupt, impoverished nation before the earthquake, and I fear it will remain so after the earthquake. I'm not sure that throwing money at the Haitians -even for earthquake relief- is going to help anything in the end scheme of things.

Haiti has been receiving billions of dollars in aid from the USA for years now, and it didn't improve their situation. The Haitians can't even rescue and aid their own citizens after a natural disaster.

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the money being donated to relief funds go to the corrupt Haitian government leaders rather than to those who really need it.

Even if the people there survive an earthquake, they don't have much of a future to look forward to. Most in Haiti are illiterate, live in dire poverty, and I think I read the average life expectancy is age 45.

Do these people really want help? I have my doubts:

According to various news articles, even shortly after the earth quake, some Haitians have been looting, stealing supplies from one another, and their violence is holding up relief assistance (news outlets such as the 'Charlotte Observer' are carrying that story).

Some Haitians have been constructing road blocks out of corpses in order to hamper relief efforts (see 'The Washington Post' for more on that).

Based upon this kind of information (i.e. Haitians hampering aid to Haiti), I don't think an earthquake is their biggest problem. There is something deeply wrong with their culture and society.

Decades from now, that country will be just as corrupt and inept, and eventually, another earthquake (or hurricane) will hit, and they likely won't be able to rise to the occasion when it happens again.

Giving Haiti money now, or at any other time, is a form of enabling, in my view point; it's not saving lives, it's keeping the status quo going. These people are beyond any kind of financial help anyone can provide.

Haiti just appears so hopeless.

That's not entirely accurate. Asking for accountability is not a bad thing; it's being responsible.

If your donation, via a $100 check to "Charity X," is being wasted, it's about the same thing as if you take a $100 bill out of your wallet and burn it, so why mail the donation off to start with?

If they're expecting relatives of theirs who have TV sets in the USA to see those messages, okay.

However, most of the power is out in Haiti, and most people there don't own TVs, from what I've read, making the gesture pointless.

I actually don't care where you send your money truly. If you do what you think is right with your charity dollars go right ahead. I do wonder about two things. You say that Haiti is hopeless and we should give up. They are actual living, breathing, HUMANS and it' s not the fault of the entire population that they were born into those conditions. Just like it's not my fault or your fault that there are people in prisons all over this country. We didn't make them criminals. Where I am from, the second most wanted person on the FBIs list behind OBL operated his gang, should this whole town be shut down? What did I do other than be born here? Should we just put walls around the US and not care about the rest of the world? And hope that we never need any of them either?

For those who think that foreign countries do not support us during our tragedies, I beg to differ. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4210264.stm
This is an article about the outside assistance offered during hurricane Katrina. Belgium and Canada sent dogs to assist with sniffing out survivors/victims after 9/11. All offers of aid have to be accepted or rejected by the US government.

Also, the poster who wrote about the people giving messages on the tv specifically mentioned that the person stating they were ok was talking to people in the United States, I would expect a person in Haiti would know that their fellow citizens were unable to watch tv at that time. If you had a family member missing and were able to see them on TV to know they were safe, wouldn't that make it worthwhile?