Not long ago I defended charities fundraising mailshots suggesting that we should be tolerant of organisations which are doing their utmost to relieve suffering in all its manifestations.  

But charities do have a responsibility for future as well as current beneficiaries if there are any.  I make that comment after receiving appeals from Care International UK and Mother Theresa Children’s Foundation.  I cannot fault the focus of their efforts to support sick starving orphans and destitute children in Africa or elsewhere but sending incentives in 19 x 11 cm cardboard boxes, the first containing a bead on a cord and some labels and the second a plastic Madonna does seem a little extravagant of resources.  No doubt both charities can show that the methods are successful but a lot of the world’s resources have been used and in the case of Care International two packs came to the same address.  

Of course, as usual the stories told are heartrending so one must respond.

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