In 1994 the treatment for AIDS was in its infancy. I knew many people who had contracted the disease; being able to do ones bit, allowed myself and others the privilege, of giving a little back, to the community in which we were apart. We spent many long evenings in a friends apartment, turning red ribbon into badges to wear with pride, supporting all those hoping for a second chance, a new lease of life through the advancement of research into this appalling scourge. Luckily today, many of those who had contracted HIV at this time, are still alive and well. Medical advances have given lives back, rather than taken them away.
Raising money for any good cause is a part of British life, ingrained in our national psyche; from HM The Queens devotion to good causes, Patron of many charities to the volunteer in a charity shop sorting out unwanted clothes. Without dedicated people, with no agenda, just a desire to do good, many trusts would be unable to carry out the work they do.
I am often asked what I think about 'charity' after my rum brush, with the darker side of Oxfam. I am instinctively drawn to the rejection of such organisations; if Oxfam is corrupt, then any number of other similar groups could also be. Equally I am reminded that not everyone is the same. Over the last eighteen months my views have mellowed, today I remain philosophical about the role of charities and although I would never give money to these trusts personally again, I would give up my time, working for an organisation, I felt represented my aims and beliefs as an individual; Oxfam however, would always be out of such an equation.
As readers to my blogs are aware, I worked as a mentor and advocate for 'Action For Children;' I also gave up my time working for the 'Easy Horse Care' charity here in Spain; supporting this fantastic organisation in its work, saving horses and donkeys from this region of Spain. These are two charities, carrying out work, close to my heart; the protection of children and the preservation of animals, abused and in many cases left for dead. There is dishonesty and deception in every charity across society; in the case of Oxfam, I dug too deep and knew too much. I found out about terrible injustices; I became embroiled in a scandal, that I would never forget. My consequent experiences of other organisations has not shown such disregard for human dignity so I could never pass judgement on others, preferring to believe that corruption only exists in Britain's biggest charity, Oxfam, as naive as that seems!
Like most people I have also given money to various groups, raising funds, in the past; I sponsored a child in Brazil, paying for his education; gave money towards a cat called Ashley, at the RSPCA in Milton Keynes, who was suffering from FIV, cat AIDS and had various direct debits coming from my British account each month, towards many different causes. Stopping the trickle of funds was a personal choice, built on experience; it doesn't mean you should do the same; I do however want to give you some advice.
Research the charity of your choice comprehensively; look at the statistics and most importantly, the percentage income distributed, to those who are in desperate need. Read and investigate who exactly this organisation is, make sure it practices what it preaches and above all speak to others who have had exposure in your chosen cause. If it doesn't live up to your expectations, there are many other groups that need your help and support. Finally after my ordeal with a large multinational charity, I would say, stick local and make sure you see where the money goes; not all charities are the same!
