RE: Go Fund Me....but only if you have internet
**but it's just so fucked up when so much good for so many could be achieved with so little. **
@Nathen007 good post! I agree. At the moment I am in Turkey running some projects here. Costs are relatively low, for example, been running a series of Science trips and lessons for refugees here which costs about £1.20 per kid per day.
Bought about 500 pencils and 100 notepads from for about £30
Also (shameless plug) I'm trying to help rebuild some urban refugee areas, cost wise for effectively a small town I am looking at about £1k
https://steemit.com/charity/@epicdave/syrian-urban-refugees-in-turkey
Now thing is, I've seen so many people run GoFundMes for thousands of pounds to effectively pay for them to go on holiday and do a few hours work. I'd say it's fairly common to see. There's a lass in my hometown who wants £1,500 for a two week holiday to 'help' orphans in Africa. Effectively a fancy holiday.
So far I've paid for the projects out here but an extra £1,000 would do so much.
Shit... sorry, this turned into a rant. :/
Don't get me started on those volunteer holidays!!!! though thankfully, they don't seem as popular as they were a few years ago. I always travel with a bag of pencils and colouring books, and you dont need to be rich to do a little for people.
The problem is the western perception of 'poor'. I cringe when I see the news in the UK and they are spouting figures about child poverty in the UK. Yes there are people who need assistance in the UK like any other country, but using words like 'poor' and 'poverty' simply dilute their value and change peoples perception when the geographical context is changed.
What you're doing mate is incredible. Direct local action is a million times more cost effective and provides infinitely more value than the huge charities and their associated costs. There is a place for the Oxfams etc and long term solutions are of course important, but direct aid now is what makes a difference.
It was this post that set me off..
https://steemit.com/fundraising/@jpederson96/post-rewards-will-be-donated-to-this-emergency-fundraiser
I feel for them, they've had a horrible experience and they have tough times ahead....but it says they are 'poor'...they own a car! It's tough to balance it all out in my head!!
@nathen007 If only others would take similar action and take some books, pencils, notepads with them when they went on holiday abroad then we'd see some serious change. As you say " you dont need to be rich to do a little for people" it's so true. Second-hand books, a few packs of pencils/pens out of Poundland can do wonders.
A problem that I find in many 'poor' parts of the UK is that people do not take responsibility, but can at times act like 'crabs in a barrel' when someone else tries to better themselves or their area. It's werid. Another problem is that some do not take responsibility to educate themselves too, buy 10 second hand books instead of a pack of cigarets. Do something to improve yourself instead of berate others who try to do so.
I could probably write a book about how useless most of the UK charities and Foreign Aid has been over here, It's borderline criminal. They will virtue signal, guilt you into donating but piss that dosh up on over-inflated wages whilst trying to fuck over smaller genuine charities which are doing 10 times their work whilst receiving 100th the funding.
Then there's the other group of 'virtue signallers' those all so wise experts who sit on facebook and twitter all day then act like a hate mob when someone like myself says that it is best for the refugees if they stay in the Middle East, and are supported there. That the cost of migrating one refugee/Migrant to the UK could help thousands of people here... Oh boy, its great when those morons threaten your family and work colleagues!
Sorry man, I am turning into a rantoholic. Great content by the way, I enjoy reading your stuff when I can. Thanks for the mention too its most appreciated :D