Crikey is it really over a year since I was last here!.

Like most who have seen the news reports of the Haitian catastrophe, my instinctive reaction was to reach for the mouse with payment card to hand.

Over the past few years – the Tsunmai, Darfur atc. I have gone straight to the DEC site and offered up some money. However this time my approach was a little different.

I have been frustrated by DEC’s habit of sending worthless mail in the past acknowledging past donations. See previous posts on this subject, I want my money to work for the people on the ground not be consumed by worthless administration.

I am also unconvinced by charities that seem to spend a large proportion of their income on activities that are variously described as campaigning, advocacy and education. Some of the leading culprits – Oxfam, Action Aid and Christian Aid are all members of the DEC.

To ensure none of my money is wasted by these organisations I have chosen to donate directly to Merlin who from past communication appear to concentrate their income where it matters.

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