WHEN deciding which non-profit or non-governmental organisation (NPO or NGO) to support, most people wonder whether they are making the right decision giving their hard-earned cash away.
With corruption, fraud and scams the news of the day, dishonest people still continue to use any means possible to steal or take from others.
“It’s heartbreaking to meet so many people, especially the elderly, who have been scammed out of money by so called fund-raisers,” said Sharon Claassen, official fund-raiser for The South African Red Cross Society Eastern Cape Province.
“I have met a gentleman who has been scammed out of R2 000 by giving money to a fund-raiser who could not provide proof that they are legitimately raising funds for a registered organisation.
“What is heartbreaking is that there are now people too scared to give and legitimate organisations are suffering great financial distress.”
Claassen, together with provincial manager for the Red Cross in the Eastern Cape, Caroline Gallant, want people to know that there is a way to make sure that your donation or support reaches the intended beneficiaries. The NPO and NGO sector is governed by legislation which requires organisations to be registered and be able to produce a certificate of registration.
In addition to this, it must be able to provide donors with a PBO (public benefit organisation) number. The PBO number allows organisations to provide a tax-deductable Section 18(a) certificate. Under legislation, organisations are required to submit reports to the Department of Social Development on an annual basis.
“But the most important verification that can be done is asking for proof of what the organisation is doing,” she explained.
Claassen and Gallant agree that organisations working in communities must be able to provide photographic proof of what they do, together with a report describing their achievements.
“Just like so many other well-meaning organisations, the Red Cross is feeling the pinch financially,” said Gallant. “I am appealing to everyone out there to donate wisely, donate to respected and reputable organisations such as the Red Cross and help humanitarians throughout our beautiful, but impoverished province to change lives for the better.”
- For more info about donating or about the Red Cross, contact Caroline Gallant at cgallant@redcross.org.za or contact Sharon Claassen directly at fundraisingec@redcross.org.za
Issued by: The South African Red Cross Society
