If we have a situation where people employed by charities are too busy doing fund raising to cover the costs of running the organisation, then this is a problem… When we put money into a collection box or donate online for example, our expectation is that the money is going to help those in need. In my mind, this takes the form of people actually being there for each other and having products or covering the expenses of travels and other costs incurred with supporting those in need.
It’s sad to say that if a charity is only able to raise enough cash to support its staff and other business charges, then it’s not helping those in need. All we are effectively doing is giving money to keep an organisation in business and in my opinion this is not right.
I met up with someone yesterday who has been going though some rough times; I was sad for them but also disappointed that despite calling the Samaritans twice over the past month, no one had answered the phone when they called. This is someone who has suffered physical and mental abuse; they shake every time someone unexpectedly knocks on their door and despite this, could not get to speak to anyone for help. Someone at Talking Therapies has given them some leaflets, which probably contain great information, but what is missing is that human contact that we all crave. For some, just picking up a leaflet is too much effort.
