Second chance for Charity?

Ever since the NKF fraud came to light, steps have been taken to guarantee that the organizations have proper checks to ensure the funds raised are totally put into good use and not embezzled by the chairman.

In the past, organization that initiate fund raising appeared to be good people who put others’ needs before self, and do not mind taking their own time off to collect funds for the less fortunate. However over the years, the problem started surfacing as the human greed proves to be unable to withstand the temptation of having a large sum of money in their care.

Fund raising organized by charity are supposed to be of a good cause, but the situation now is that people no longer believe in flag days. They are only willing to donate money to any organization, after carrying some sort of verification. In fact, the public is encouraged to enquire about the organization that approaches them for donations. They also have to ask for proof of authorization. This is all to ensure that people will not get con by them.

The problem with charity is that nowadays, people rarely trust the organizations whole-heartedly; for fear that their hard earned money donated will be misused by the so call fund raisers. This cripple the system of fund raising in public, as the mistrust built up will eventually lead to a series of trouble brewed for the people.

Personally, I have been doing flags days since 2003, but today; I noted a drastic change to the response of the public. In the past, people seldom enquire about the authenticity. Now, people get overly suspicious about the purpose of the beneficiaries of the organization. It is okay to ask about them, but some end up losing faith in every single one of them, and even those with the proper procedures carried out by the dog watchers.

In the process of this mindless fight, the true people in need may be at the losing end, as they are the ones suffering, not the corporations that try to raise funds. The needy that do not get the required treatments, will then become the burden of the society. Singapore is not a welfare state and since we do not try to help the organizations, the government will have to do more for them and in this way, the tax imposed on the general public may also increase.

It is therefore essential to set up a trusting society that is able to help both the people in need and also the organizations such that they will not be tempted into pocketing the money. This is what the watchdog is for.

As there is a guardian in charge of overseeing the whole process, they are less likely to be having itchy fingers and end up doing all sorts of things. With the precautions set up, there will be more transparency and the public will tend to trust in organization, in turn they will be more willing to donate money.

Under good leadership, the general public can be assured that the money that they donate will be put into good use. The faith will then be increased such that they will be more willing to donate. Those who really need help will then receive the required aid.

The cooperation between organizers and public should be maintained to ensure a cohesive society whereby the people of Singapore will leave in trust and harmony. The fund raisers should follow the ethics, and keep to their promises, while the donors should show their continual support for them. All this is essential to ensure the progress of Singapore.