That’s me flagging up the issue of deforestation and food-producing land being given over to biofuel production. Which of course affects charities in three ways – first that  there is an affect on inflation even in countries where mass starvation is unlikely but wage rises may mean charities must use a greater proportion of their funds to pay staff, or cut down staff numbers so there are less people actively fundraising. Then, as those in the west with mortgages and credit card bills feel the pain of the credit squeeze, maybe less will be given to charity. Thirdly and crucially, charities will have to pay more for the food aid they buy to distribute. And maybe even at higher prices, charities giving emergency support will find it harder to source the foods they need to save lives.

 And then – while i (a non-flyer and non-car owner) abhor the insatiable appetite of cars & planes etc for diminishing fuel supplies, what happens when petrol runs out and food and human assistance cannot reach those who need help? 

I know not all charity work is done in the ‘third world’ and even then the majority is not emergency aid but Bob Geldof is not going to stir our compassion filming how hard things are for the charity which wants us to pay £20 a year to adopt a rare fruit or vegetable so the variety can be kept alive in perpetuity. (Which BTW i intend to do shortly provided i can choose what i adopt – it won’t be a radish or a turnip is all i’m saying.)

 And i know what i said about animal charities last month (esp as a Donkey Sanctuary apparently gets more than the RNID, per The Guardian last Sat) but i have been much alarmed by this weeks focus by ‘Farming Today’ on the plight of bees. Three types of honey bee are already extinct and the arroa mite is set on wiping out the others too. I don’t even like honey but if the planet’s flora does not get pollinated we all die. Simple as that. (BTW have 3 bees and a skep tattooed across my back, just don’t wanna eat their vomit which is what honey is.) So shall be looking to support a bee charity asap.

 Had a booklet from the Futon Company last week. Not a charity of course. Why the mention then, i hear my reader cry? Because the booklet reached me with an address sticker on the back, and the ‘postage paid’ sticker wrapped over the open edge so the booklet stayed closed until i eased it open. In terms of lack of waste and no cellophane and generally not irritating this stroppy tart, a  gold star goes to the Futon Company this month. Wish all you charities would take note – think of all the money & time which could/would be saved on envelopes if you took this approach.

No gold stars to the following for massive enevlopes, superfluity of cellophane, overkill on the bumpf etc to RNID/Medecins Sans Frontiers/Red Cross.

But World Villages  for Children finally found my weak spot in sending me a cotton bag for my shopping. So i will have to send a tenner now even if they did mail me twice in April.

The charities i gave to in this fast fading month were

RNID(doh!)/Bhopal/NCH/Amnesty/Medical Aid for the Care of Victims of Torture.

Cassandra 

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