Very sad to see pictures of the destruction. Fox is donating any amounts invoiced today to the Phillipines Red Cross. Heartfelt sympathies go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy, both here and abroad.
Hi Dave. Felt like the right thing to do. Just today, I have invoiced a children's charity and told them to only pay 2/3rds, the rest to be considered a donation. I have audited charities so I know just how much money can be pumped into management wages etc, but still.... If everything I had was wiped out in one moment, I would hope someone out there would want to help me. I am just sorry I cant give more than money.. would prefer to get my hands dirty!
You're absolutely right Michelle. I give 5% of my turnover to a good cause every year. It's normally a special care baby unit or Ronald McDonald House. In 2007 we had twins who were born at 28 weeks gestation, the team at the SCBU were fantastic, and as I ended up 80 miles from home (there was no space at the local hospital) Ronald McDonald House put us up for a month. We'd have been lost without them.
Unfortunately, after a month of fighting one of my wee boys, Fraser, died but Finlay is now in primary 2 and just like every other wee boy. We feel we owe his life to the team at the baby unit, and our sanity to Ronald McDonald house who were a rock during the time.
There seems to be two approaches. Charity through keeping those who can help supplied with money and the alternate but no more or less important job of investing time in projects that one believes in.
I know that Sonya (Eagle) adopted the latter approach in going to teach accountancy in Africa.
I sorted out a village in SE Asia with a new tractor.
Other accountants that I know have similarly been involved on the ground floor rather than giving money.
I think that the issue over giving money is as Michelle identified too little money with some charities actually gets to those who need the aid. The worst example that I can think of was the Salvation Army whose overheads in the 90's ran into the region of 97% of donates so only 3p in the £ was getting to where it was intended (I believe that the Sally army has now been fixed).
Thats not true of all charities but when you see things from the accountants side of the fence one does become a little jaundiced about the giving money option if you are able to invest your time directly or give the goods that are needed directly to those who need them then such misses out the risk of misappropriation of your hard earned money.
Doesn't make accountants mean. In fact as a profession as with those who work in banking I would say that public perception is totally at odds with reality.
Bah Humbug,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I think what you have both done is very special and Kris I am so sorry to hear of your loss and your story has touched me so much so I would be happy to make a donation.
Thanks. I like to think of it less as a loss and more as something we got strength from. I wouldn't be self employed right now if it didn't happen. If you want to donate to Ronald McDonald House Dave, they provide excellent practical support for parents of ill children. I didn't really realise until I needed it.
I do understand what both Michelle and Shaun say too. So many charities do have such high overheads that only a tiny amount gets where it's really needed. Its a shame, but it wont stop me giving money when I can.
Shaun is also right about volunteering time with charities, and we don't even need to go overseas to do it.
I wouldn't be self employed either if it weren't for a sad loss. Isn't it strange how things turn out.
My baby daughter Harriet died of cot death aged 6 months in 2009 and since then I have donated large chunks of my income to the FSID charity each year. I was on maternity leave at the time from my high flying Credit Manager job but decided that there was more to life than a large bank balance.
I also know of many accountants who donate in various ways but maybe they just don't shout about it!!
I'm sorry Clare. There is a profound impact when you realise there is more to life than just money. I love the work life balance self employment gives me. Ok, we all know it's hard at times, but I do find it a really relaxing life at other times.
There seems to be two approaches. Charity through keeping those who can help supplied with money and the alternate but no more or less important job of investing time in projects that one believes in.
I know that Sonya (Eagle) adopted the latter approach in going to teach accountancy in Africa.
I sorted out a village in SE Asia with a new tractor.
Other accountants that I know have similarly been involved on the ground floor rather than giving money.
I think that the issue over giving money is as Michelle identified too little money with some charities actually gets to those who need the aid. The worst example that I can think of was the Salvation Army whose overheads in the 90's ran into the region of 97% of donates so only 3p in the £ was getting to where it was intended (I believe that the Sally army has now been fixed).
Thats not true of all charities but when you see things from the accountants side of the fence one does become a little jaundiced about the giving money option if you are able to invest your time directly or give the goods that are needed directly to those who need them then such misses out the risk of misappropriation of your hard earned money.
Doesn't make accountants mean. In fact as a profession as with those who work in banking I would say that public perception is totally at odds with reality.
Bah Humbug,
Shaun.
Hi Shaun
As you know I do tend to say a lot of things tongue in cheek and on this occasion my sense of humour should have been kept off this thread, as a parent myself I could not imagine losing a child and it is both heart warming and inspirational to see how Kris and Clare have found positives with what they have had to go through.
I am truly sorry if my comment caused any offence as this was not intended. I think you are all amazing.
Hey everyone... totally filled up right now!! Thank you to Kris and Claire for sharing such sad but intimate times with us. Its unimaginable what you have gone through. (((Big loves to you both)))
