Disaster relief

These days the world seems to be fraught with disasters. A young friend, who was visiting recently, told us his family is living in the midst of the most recent disaster—the aftermath of the typhoon Hiayan. Thousands in the Philippines are homeless, missing or dead, Mike B. and his wife assured us his family was safe. We all talked about sending a donation to one of the disaster relief organizations and he told us to be careful about which one we choose. In some cases, very little of the funds raised for international disaster relief actually make it to the people in need. Apparently, in some cases, as little as one quarter of the donations trickle down to address the needs of the victims. Geez. After Mike and Cindy left, I did a little research and have found a charity that has a reputation for delivering in excess of 85 per cent of donations, and the Canadian government will match Canadian donations dollar for dollar. Do your homework if you’re going to make a donation to any kind of charity.

Well, then I thought about what else I could do, not necessarily for international disaster relief, but what can I do locally? I’d like at least part of what I have earmarked for charitable giving to stay in this community. We may not have to deal with big weather disasters here in the County, but we do have local folks who are in need. Of course you know the Prince Edward County Food Bank, at the United Church in Picton, and The Storehouse, at the Pentecostal Church in Wellington, will take donations of food such as peanut butter, powdered milk, canned goods, fresh vegetables and fruit, meat and dried pasta. I’m going to go out on a limb and gently suggest you don’t donate a bushel basket full of crap you wouldn’t eat on a bet, such as that can of cock-a-leekie soup you’ve had since 1978 or the jar of pickled watermelon rind you got from your Aunt Gert. Think about what you stock in your own cupboards as staples, and throw an extra jar or bag of that into your buggy when you’re shopping. You’ll hardly notice the added cost. All of the food donations go to people who are in need. Additionally at both locations, there is a need for toiletries such as shampoo, soap, diapers, personal products and toilet paper. And, for those of you who find it easier to donate cash, there is no doubt in my mind, either food bank would be more than happy to do that shopping. No doubt at all.

It is the season of giving, and if the food banks aren’t your “cup of tea”, perhaps you should consider taking an angel off the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Angel Tree and making some local kid one happy camper on Christmas morning. And I’ve said it before about Angel Tree gift giving, don’t bother cleaning out your son or daughter’s bedroom and dumping a load of used toys and stuffies at the Angel Office. This is Christmas giving, not winter closet cleaning. If you’ve a mind to believe “beggars can’t be choosers” stick that attitude into your festive holiday stocking. CAS Angel Campaign is about kids and kids just want to be like everyone else and open a “new” gift, something that makes them feel as if someone really cared. Go on, you can do it.

If Christmas isn’t your thing, goodness knows there are dozens of other charities in the County, and darn near one hundred per cent of what you give stays right here. Go to see a Marysburgh mummers show. The kids have been working hard for weeks to present Peter Pan on November 29 and 30, December 1, 6, 7 and 8. I say, “If they’re acting, they aren’t acting out.” Go to www.mummers.ca for ticket information and prices. The ROC (Recreation Outreach Centre) is an amazing place for County kids. Their programs are exciting, healthy, fresh, fun and free to the participants from kindergarten age to high school. Healthy, happy kids make for a healthy, happy community. Go to www.theroc.ca and help a kid become an active participant in this community.

And finally, if kids and Christmas make you go Bah Humbug, think about making a donation to Hospice Prince Edward or the Hospital Auxiliary or Community Care for Seniors or The Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward or The Kinsmen or the Kiwanis or The Rotary Club or The Museums of Prince Edward or The Friends of Sandbanks. Well, you get the picture. It’s not always about natural disasters, but it is about community and a sense of doing something for someone else.

You know you wanna.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca