July 1, 2005
Reducing Poverty
As a supporter of Oxfam and the Make Poverty History campaign, I'm proudly wearing my white band today.
As Oxfam says, the global Make Poverty History campaign calls for an end to the injustice of poverty through more and better aid, debt relief and fairer trade.
Whilst it's easy to be cynical and resign oneself to the view that poverty will always exist, I'm heartened by the efforts of those organising this campaign and the fact that the Internet enables it to be more effective.
Hopefully the campaign will lead to real improvements in people's lives soon.
Posted to People, Social Justice by Keith PittyYes, let's make poverty history and let's get governments doing more. But Oxfam? The street hawkers who take a person commission turn me right off! Where does the donation go? Give me Care Australia any time... you know exactly where every cent goes and how it is going to be used.
Posted by: Jeff Deakin at July 21, 2005 12:00 PMJeff, I've supported Community Aid Abroad for many years now. Over the last few years this long standing Australian NGO has become part of Oxfam International.
One thing I like about their approach is their focus on enabling communities to become self-sufficient rather than continually relying on aid. And Oxfam's focus is on the community rather than individuals (which is why I prefer Oxfam to World Vision).
I'm also uneasy about the Oxfam collectors we see in the street; I'd prefer Oxfam didn't rely on this method of raising funds. That's why I continue to donate as part of Oxfam's Aware program which clearly explains where the money is spent and provides me with regular reports of actual projects in the field.
Regardless of the NGO, I'm glad we're both supporting the overall aim of reducing poverty.
Posted by: Keith Pitty at July 22, 2005 1:30 PM