NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2021

Debunked: Two “Great” Reasons We Use to Be Less Generous

It is true that some aid organizations are poorly run, and there is the possibility of corruption at any level of the supply chain, from the local level all the way to national or international leadership. However, the nonprofits we recommend have been curated and chosen, in part because they deliver what they promise through secure, closely monitored supply chains.

Here’s another way to think about it. When we use this rationalization to avoid giving generously, we assume that we are avoiding a risky mistake: the possibility that our donation will be wasted along the way and never make it to the intended recipient. However, by not donating, we also risk another mistake: that is, missing an opportunity to save lives and reduce unnecessary suffering. I would much prefer to risk making the first mistake if it also meant avoiding the second mistake. And what I am suggesting is that the first mistake is highly unlikely with our carefully curated nonprofits.

#2  Aid is just a “bandaid.”

I have discussed this rationalization before (in the April 2018 newsletter), but I think it is worth revisiting, because it is so commonly used as a “reason” to not take and follow through on the pledge. One of the common objections about donating to help the global poor is that the help is just “providing a bandaid.” Even if this were the case, is there no value to temporary relief, especially if it paves the way for long-term health? When is the last time you had a serious wound that was bleeding profusely and you didn’t run to get a bandaid? If your child was dying of diarrhea and needed the “bandaid” of IV fluids, what would you do?

But beyond this obvious rebuttal to the “bandaid” excuse for not giving, I want to suggest that the amazing, highly cost-effective work our recommended nonprofits do is not a mere “bandaid.” Day in and day out, our nonprofits strive to improve the health and raise the standard of living of the people who receive their assistance over the long term.

Malaria, for example, is one of the biggest drags on the African economy. Reducing malaria not only saves lives, but also improves economic and overall well being. Economically empowering the poor—especially women — as so many of our organizations do, directly or indirectly, raises the standard of living for both individual families and communities. And the same can be said for preventing blindness and restoring sight — a pretty good investment for US$50 or so.

What is clearly no “myth” is that we have a very hard time parting with our money, particularly when the beneficiaries are people we have never met and we will likely never have a chance to directly observe the good we are doing. But overcoming our reluctance to be generous allows us to do an amazing amount of good and live up to our own values. 

Do Good. Feel Good.

.
Charlie Bresler

Board Member of The Life You Can Save

Upcoming Events