I'm bumping this--I operated a dog rescue charity for 10 years. It wasn't always local--we helped unwanted Saints from across Canada. I have sent my unwanted cookbooks to DCers--to cover the postage, I have asked that the DCers give locally.
Recently, I posted a pic on FB and asked where it was taken. My cousin knew and I made a $25 loan to Kiva in her name. Just got a notice that 50% of the loan has been repaid. I've asked my cousin if she wants to funnel the loan $, when received in full, which I think it will be, back locally or continue with Kiva. She wants to go with Kiva. She works with disabled adults and is very involved locally.
I believe charity begins at home. My family started Camp Courage North (
Courage Center Camps - accessible). When my cousin died in an automobile accident in Peru, a charity was set up in her name:
The Becky Fund: About Becky. I started a charity and operated it for 10 years that benefited abandoned, abused animals (now defunct, no longer has a web site--I had to let it go to care for my mom who has dementia and care for me). When asked as a little girl what I wanted when I grew up, my answer was "my own charity." I realized that dream. It wasn't easy, it was heartbreaking at times and it was very, very hard to let it go--but I had to do that.
My dad "rings the bell" every Christmas season. Charity does begin at home--but it doesn't necessarily stop there. Maybe it is hereditary--I seem to have inherited that gene. I'm drafting a business plan of how I can "give back" by being a Pampered Chef consultant. Not through PC's fundraising program, but rather through my own way of giving back.
Most people I know who donate to "off shore" charities also donate to those close to home and close to their hearts. And, I do know a lot of people involved in the non-profit, charity world. It is a lot easier to write a cheque than it is to donate time. As the old saying goes, "when you're up to your arse in alligators, you forget that your objective was to drain the swamp." That is often how one feels when one is deeply involved with a charity. It is a never-ending story.
My experience with
kiva.org has been positive. Which reminds me, I have to stop at the food bank and donate a box of food one of my tenants left behind...
