In Cash, Not Kind

More about the Dec 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake/tsunami here.
Photos Packs 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Source: Neowin; Hosted at Cryptome.org; contain graphic images)

The sky over here has been crying almost non-stop for the past few days and nights, probably over the death toll, which is now 125,000 and counting.

Many kind hearted souls around the world are taking action by sending stuffs they don't need to the various collection centres around the country.

But many of the relief agencies like Red Cross, SPH(Singapore Press Holdings) are now saying, if you really want to help, contribute in cash, not kind.

The Singapore Red Cross began its policy of collecting cash only after the 1999 Turkey earthquake after receiving tonnes of items 40 days late, which were not suitable or needed at that time. It had taken more than a month to collect, sort, pack and ship.

Not only does it take time, effort, and money for all the logistics involved. If the supplies turn out to be useless to the victims, it also cost time, effort, and money to dispose of what will be tonnes of garbage. So instead of helping, our kind efforts could end up as big headaches for those already busy people.

In short, to help, cash is best.

You can read more about in-kind donations at charitywatch.org, or just flip the local papers to read about what the victims really need.

God have mercy on our souls.

Singapore Government website: Crisis & Emergencies
Google's tsunami relief and resources links