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(OT) Tsunami Crisis - Maybe We Can Help

Hi all,

I'm sure many of us are still in shock at the almost unfathomable loss of life in the areas hit by the tsunami. Maybe we can help in a small way.

A virtually unknown facet of EBay is that you can auction an article and have part (or all) of the proceeds go to a selected charity. The umbrella group they work through is called MissionFish.

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Basically, you register with them, select a charity from their list that you want the proceeds to go to, then list an item through them. The listing contains information about the charity for buyers to see.

Most of us probably have some mrr item we could auction off. I'd like to suggest that, if you're so inclined, consider doing it through MissionFish.

If you're at a loss for an organization to donate to, may I suggest looking at MAP International. They're listed with MissionFish. I only know about them since they are based here. They're entire mission is to provide medical supplies to poor countries worldwide. They were one of the first organizations to respond to the tsunami crisis and have already shipped $100,000 worth of badly needed medical supplies to the area.

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BTW, Forbes magazine has ranked MAP International as one of the most efficient charities in the United States for six consecutive years. They have a rating of 99 out of 100 from them.

Our individual contributions may not be much, but little things add up and can make a difference.

Regards,

Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"

Reply to
Mike Tennent
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Thank you Mike. It strikes me that when 9/11 occurred, the entire internet including all newsgroups rang with post after post offering condemnation (of the terrorists), concern or assistance. Often all three.

But here, 3 or 4 days into an international tragedy which has killed 20 times as many, with the potential to go many more, hardly a word has been said. I'm not condemning the lack of posts. I just find it sad. And yes, I have contributed through local charities to the relief effort. Maybe becausie its more local for us, but the last death toll I saw had on it people from many countries.

Steve Magee Newcastle NSW Aust

Reply to
Steve Magee

One of the worlds most renowned SF writers and a scientist, Arthur C. Clarke, lives in Sri Lanka. I have not heard anything about how he faired in the Tsunami? I did see news about some beauty queen like she would measure up to Sir Arthur!

Reply to
Jon Miller

Doing a web search I found a letter from Sir Arthur dated today. See;

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Reply to
Jon Miller

Steve, This massive tragedy that has killed and hurt so many is truly something that should make all of mankind weep and offer what ever help they can. But it is a natural disaster and not an act of evil by men so it does not carry with it emotions of anger and hatred. Rather it's left many agonized, bewildered and stunned looking for help and hope without rage except maybe towards life itself. Many of us already give on regular basis to the charities and humanitarian organizations that are the very ones to help in these situations. Knowing that so many need help, will need help and that natural tragedies will occur so we have acted even before the event. At least the world community seems compelled to do a little something rather than just watch the death toll climb higher and higher as they have in the Sudan (another massive tragedy that no one talks about much). Bruce

Reply to
Bruce Favinger

FWIW, Apple Computer

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has links to many charitable groups taking donations for this huge disaster.

Reply to
Brian Paul Ehni

A noble thought Mike. I donated to the Red Cross and they seem to be the most up-to-speed and have people on the ground and ready to help in many of those countries.

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in Canada
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in U.S.A.

Ian Mathers Yellowknife, NT

Reply to
Ian G. Mathers

A noble thought Mike. I donated to the Red Cross and they seem to be the most up-to-speed and have people on the ground and ready to help in many of those countries.

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in Canada Special note: In addition to funds already committed by Parliament, the Government of Canada will match personal contributions to any charitable organization and has made it an eligible deduction for tax year 2004 if made before January 11, 2005.
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in U.S.A.

Ian Mathers Yellowknife, NT

Reply to
Ian G. Mathers

What doesn't Canada allow as a general rule donations to a registered charity to be a tax deduction unlike Australia which allows any donation to a registered charity over $2 to be claimed??

Reply to
Greg Rudd

I'm sure they do. The "special case" in this post is allowing donations made in the first 11 days of 2005 to be claimed on your 2004 tax return rather than having to wait until 2006 when you file your 2005 taxes.

Don

-- snipped-for-privacy@prodigy.net

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Reply to
Trainman

Hello Greg;

Canada does allow deduction of all charitable donations against taxable income; For this particular effort, however, the government will allow you to deduct it as though it was made in 2004 rather than 2005 if the donation is made before January 11. The government will also match dollar for dollar, all donations collected by the agencies involved in tsunami relief efforts.

That is in addition to the millions already pledged directly by the Government of Canada.

Ian

Reply to
Ian G. Mathers

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