If you chose to give, giving is not to this organization but to one of your choice which provides relief for the suffering in Sudan.
Here are some things to consider:
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Access:
The areas of Sudan most in need of humanitarian assistance have been
devastated by civil war. Many are virtually inaccessible except by
air. |
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What to Give: Collecting and shipping durable goods for
Sudan from outside the continent of Africa is not practical in most
cases because the cost of shipping is so high. While there are
some opportunities to provide goods like blankets, the most effective
gift normally is money. |
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Manipulation and delay:
Official
and/or governmental aid agencies, such as UNICEF and Operation
Lifeline Sudan, are subject to being manipulated and delayed by the
formal procedures required to gain access to the needy.
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Misuse of aid:
There have been instances where
officials who give the authorization have deliberately routed the aid
to the combatants rather than to the civilians. |
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Experience: Doing business in Africa is not like that anywhere else. There are certain channels and traditions that must be followed, and therefore it is advisable to donate to experienced agencies that have already laid the groundwork. Some church and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been doing relief work and/or sustainable capacity building for years in the south and now in Darfur. They have established the mechanisms necessary to get supplies to the needy expediently. They are also less subject to being stalled by "official paperwork." |
As with any philanthropic donation, you should know how much of your money goes to the organization's administrative costs and how much provides direct aid. Also, if it is a large NGO that helps people worldwide, ask if you can designate your gift specifically for aid to Sudan. There may be a number to put in the memo of the check to ensure that happens.
Many of the larger denominations provide disaster relief. Contact the denomination of your choice about what they are doing to relieve the suffering in Sudan. If they do not have an established program, seek an alternative.
There are also
many fine Christian, NGOs which are not affiliated with any specific denomination, that have been engaged in Sudan for years and are able to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Bill Andress at:
billandress@sudanadvocacy.com
or
bobbie-frances mcdonald
at:
bobbiefrances@sudanadvocacy.com