Interesting article Bags and once again we're on the same page. I have ongoing commitments to three charities; only one of which, wateraid, is a well known one. The other two are a small UK charity that supports families in this country and a tiny local charity where a bloke takes a trip to Nicaragua twice a year and pays the school fees, directly to the school administrator, of the children sponsored by the charity. He pays for the trips himself and meets each of the families whose children are sponsored. Recently though I have spent some time looking into the area of micro-finance as I believe that this is the way forward. I have a very limited income so I want to use my money as wisely as I can and get the best 'outcome' that I can; lending money to these programmes seems to be a useful way of providing support over the long term.
I don't have a guilt trip when I see charity posters etc., I have worked for two charities in this country and believe that both are extremely well run and provide an invaluable service, but I've chosen to give elsewhere. I don't give to homeless people on the streets either; although I do occasionally invite one to join me for a meal and for several years the local homeless blokes knew they could call at my house for food and showers etc. (until one of them menaced me in my home). Some of you know that a homeless man lived with us for several months.
Bags, people give for a variety of reasons and in lots of different ways (the act of being a 'good neighbour' is charitable and often costs only time and patience), so I'm glad that, for whatever reason, people are charitable, but for those of us who have the time and the inclination I do think it's worth exploring the effectiveness of our giving.
Now, I'm going to sign the petition because I think that charities will use the money more effectively than the government will!!