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Monday, February 26, 2007 Charity needs Clarity
This week I was totally disturbed by a "charitable" drive to feed the malnourished children in Indonesia.
Now, don't get me wrong --- I'm all for charity (as I think people generally are.) When there's a needy child, a destitute woman, a blood donation drive, a touching story that appears in the press, etc, the public often responds promptly and generously. That's great! However, a couple of days ago, I was appoached to buy a packet of nutritious grain or meal at $35. A few weeks ago,my husband was asked to donate $35 so that the Company that's supporting this project will send the packet to Indonesia. Hmmm... For one thing, would Indonesian kids appreciate and consume this 'meal' that is alien to their tastebuds? Wouldn't a sack of rice (granted, not as nutritious) be more culturally welcoming? When my husband went into the Internet to check out this product, he discovered that the Company typically earns 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the product AND the distributor who's selling it gets an average of 42% in commission. Is it ethical to make money (in the name of charity) from the misfortune of our neighbours? We can call things by whatever name suits our purpose. But let us not deceive ourselves ....and others. If it was presented to me, upfront, about the cost, the commission, and that for every 25 packages sold, the Company will contribute one package to the children....I will not be so appalled by the truth. To be told that this project is a beautiful act of charity and compassion---- to feed the starving and the malnourished ---- oh......I just cannot stomach it!
link | posted by magnificentmom at 7:21 PM |
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