Written by Kathryn and FT – MDJ is matching contributions, more info below.

For those wanting to donate to the earthquake relief in Haiti, it can be difficult to know where to give. As trusted financial writers we thought it would be best to share with you where we’re giving and why. The choice to give is up to you.

Recently Kathryn wrote about charitable donations and deciding where to give. Be sure to check in there if you’re thinking about donating somewhere.

Here are some suggestions for getting relief to Haiti

If you’re going to give, give today.

Don’t put it off. The immediate need is huge. It takes some time for the funds to go through. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices of where to give and put off giving altogether.

Be wary of unknown organizations.

It’s best if you have a personal connection with someone on the ground in Haiti. If not, try and find someone who knows someone who has worked there. There are some amazing relief organizations but there are also scams.

Be sure you get a charitable receipt

Now is not the time to be thinking about tax savings. The reason you need a charitable receipt is because it means the organization is financially accountable to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Give to an organization that is already working in Haiti

For the funds to get where they are needed quickly, it’s best if the organization already has some sort of infrastructure on the ground already.

Give to a ‘relief’ organization

There are some great charities out there. As you know both Kathryn and Frugal Trader sponsor a child through Compassion Canada. The main work of Compassion is social services and literacy and education training. Only 1% goes to medical services. It’s a fantastic organization but it’s purpose is not relief work. On the other hand ninety percent of Doctors Without Border’s funds go to disaster and medical services.

Kathryn and family are sending their donation to Doctors Without Borders. We are confident in the work of the organization. We have connections with people on the ground there. Doctors Without Borders has an infrastructure on the ground already. They are a registered Canadian charity that focuses specifically on relief and medical work. They have a good track record and their salaries, assets and revenue are all within reasonable limits.

Million Dollar Journey Matching Contributions

To promote donations to support relief, MDJ will match reader contributions up to a total of $500.  When we reach the $500 limit, we’ll donate the proceeds to Doctors Without Borders.  Simply email me a copy of your tax receipt for proof (webmaster [at] milliondollarjourney dot com).

Popular Posts:

Copyright 2010 MillionDollarJourney – All Rights Reserved


Go to Source

Play games on Finance Blog