How to donate to Pakistan?
The Red Cross is the most obvious.. but what other organizations out there are also in Pakistan right now that I can donate to?
The Red Cross is the most obvious.. but what other organizations out there are also in Pakistan right now that I can donate to?
Comments
MercyCorps and CARE International would be your best bets. Both do more than just relief work -- they also engage in activities to help local people help themselves.
Hi--
My name is Christen Romero. I'm from Louisiana and recently returned from Pakistan on my second journey to the region. I made it out as the monsoon rains were rearing their ugly heads and causing the devastation we're all hearing about to today. Thanks to rampant corruption and poor infrastructure, the country is in shambles. The sad part of it is, there are thousands of deserving Pakistani civilians who want nothing more than to make a good life for their families. If you don't mind, I'd like to offer my advice on how to most effectively donate to Pakistan.
First and foremost, know where your money is going. This sounds simple enough, but in reality, most people donate to large NGOs thinking that their money will be spent wisely. In my global experiences in general and Pakistan in particular, the vast majority of funds are wasted on bureaucracy and administration. The little that does trickle down to its targeted goal is used unwisely. Ask what exactly your money will fund and what percentage of your donation will be used for that purpose. If the organization cannot tell you, then why trust them with your money? Make sure that your generosity is used efficiently.
Secondly, find out exactly the types of projects that the organization is focused on. Do they focus their efforts on fresh water wells or female education? What are their most recent projects?
Thirdly, don't be afraid to go small. I have seen lots of corruption and inefficiency at large (and small) NGOs and charity organizations. Sometimes, your money is most effective when offered to a smaller, grassroots project. These are often the people most dedicated to philanthropy and the most distant from the entangling bureaucracy of larger organizations.
If you do not have a particular organization in mind, I would like to suggest one in which I am personally involved. Two years ago, I was on my way to Afghanistan to volunteer. I ran across an upstart school run by a generous northern Pakistani named Karim Khan. He used his own funds to build a marvelous school where young women from remote mountain villages could continue their education. As most of you know, female education is frowned upon in many regions, but Karim's efforts and the schools incredible support for these marvelous girls has worked miracles in the region.
The female students' have faced a triple threat these last few months. Aside from the horrid floods that have washed out the mountain passes needed to import food and supplies to the their home villages, the little-known Gojal disaster six months ago also destroyed many of their homelands. The school houses forty young women and offers classes and library access to hundreds more. All would greatly, greatly benefit from your help.
If you would like to know more, please visit the website: www.shadowgirlsacademy.org. You can donate online. I currently handle all overseas volunteers and donations, and if you have any questions about donations, please feel free to contact me at [(225) 241-3553].
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Christen
We poured money into that nation a few years ago when they had a terrible earthquake, which killed more than 80, 000. Did it help end their hate for us? Did they, out of gratitude, hand over Bin Laden? We begged them to not develop nukes, but they did anyway. In that part of the world they have monsoons. Monsoons cause floods every year. Many people die from those floods , each flood. For them, it's usually either floods or draught. Bangladesh has far worse problems with flooding than Pakistan ever has. Help the Bangledeshi folks. They don't send murderers after us. I think they are poorer than Pakistanis.
FAR more people died in Haiti and they don't hate us or send terrorists to kill us. Couldn't you help them instead? It would be kind of you.
You know, I believe that if a person is able to help someone out, that they are morally obligated to do so. It also really pisses me off when people ignore the needs of their neighbors to help out those far removed. There is a hierarchy of charity. You should help your family first. Then your neighbors. Then your city, state, country, then everywhere else. Every time I see a couple walking around with their adopted Somalian baby I just want to slap them because of all the poor little kids in the US who may never get adopted. It's just sad.
Be careful - the crooks don't take a vacation just because of some flood.
Even Governments have been known to steal money from the needy
you can donate your money through UNICEF or even ebay if you have paypal account
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