Quote from: ledskof on June 19, 2011, 08:11:18 AM

Quote from: DamienBlack on June 19, 2011, 07:19:39 AM

Red cross overhead is only 9% according to most charity watchdogs, and a lot of that is outreach. That is pretty low for such a large organization. You shouldn't disparage a good thing.

How can a figure like 9% be derived when they bank money for future use? How can that number be believed with the kind of mishandling of funds they continue to get away with after disasters such as the 89 San Francisco Earthquake, the OKC Bombing, 911, Katrina, Haiti?

Red Cross can bank as much money out of donations as they want. They can divert the money to any cause they want. When someone donates money to a cause, they want it spent on that cause, not tossed in the bank so executive salaries and incentives can be guaranteed for years to come.

I'll never give money to Red Cross again. There are plenty of charities to give money too, even during major disasters. I don't need the government's official endorsements and telling me who to give to and who to be careful about, and the media advertising for Red Cross. I can do the research myself. I don't give money to ignorantly feel better because I have an official tax right off for "doing good." I actually want to help people.

For people just wanting to give money to do good in general, don't just give it to the Red Cross. Find a local charity.

These question are why we have dedicated watchdog organizations that make it their business to answer them.