WITH reference to the letter about donations to charities ("What to support?", January 9), the charities who receive donations from the public are aware of the fear of donations going to the wrong person, as mentioned in the letter.
The problem is more complex than just the staff and volunteers getting "first choice".
Many organisations now have volunteers from the previously disadvantaged areas of our community who find the cost of volunteering to be beyond their means (transport, telephone, etc), but they are keen to be of help and some also give much of their time in helping staff members with daily tasks. Some workers are also paid a small salary to help the organisation and as such are basically helping to enable the social workers to have more time for their many cases.
The "workers" and volunteers and their families are actually also in need of help, and I am sure all committees are very careful in handing out clothing and various donations to them. May I therefore ask all donors to give to the charity of their choice, and know that their donations are appreciated and given where there is great need.
Judy du Toit, Walmer, Port Elizabeth
Letters
| Letters
