Favorite ways to help?

Old Jan 4th, 2003, 07:55 PM
  #1  
Kathie
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Favorite ways to help?

Those of us who choose to travel in Asia often have favorite ways to have a positive impact on the countries we visit. A number of people have commented on local charities they like in various countries. I'd be interested in both local and international charites people on this board feel are effective.

One of my favorite international charities is www.heifer.org
 
Old Jan 4th, 2003, 10:23 PM
  #2  
Marilyn
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Kathie, just today I was talking to a friend who told me that instead of Christmas presents this year she gave everyone a donation in their name to "heifer". What a coincidence!!

When we travel to Cambodia we bring a duffel filled with T-shirts and other clothes. We hand them out somewhere on a country road where the people have very little. They are always thrilled. This is our own private little "charity". Would love to hear more about what other people do...
 
Old Jan 5th, 2003, 04:28 AM
  #3  
Lisa
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Marilyn, I do the same thing whenever I travel to the third world. I'm a runner, and I collect my old running shoes too - these are a HUGE hit.

Aspirin, sugar packets, pens/pencils (with notepaper) do well. I also sometimes pass out candies to the kids -although I've heard this is frowned upon.

I found however that one has to be careful how 'gifts' are dispursed. Kids (and grown ups) will beat each other up to get things (I found this in Algeria - I'm sure its true elsewhere). Best to do this type of gift giving on the side in an inconspicuous area.
 
Old Jan 5th, 2003, 08:00 AM
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orgy7
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Yep same here... there are many hotel and hostel workes and thier famalies sporting 80's style Miami vise outfits. it all may be cheesy but hell atleast it fits them.. I'm a small guy myself.
--thats the only reason I go too asia.. I can actually find cloths that fit me. darn GIANT americans ...





 
Old Jan 5th, 2003, 11:47 AM
  #5  
Marilyn
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OK, now that Lisa has admitted it first: We always bring some hard candy to pass out to the kids. I know it's not good for their teeth, etc, but I'm sure they don't get it that often. We also bring pens and pencils, but our most popular handout is ... STICKERS.

They are cheap, weigh nothing and take up no space, and are such a hit with kids and adults. In Cambodia we gave them to the kids who immediately stuck them on their bodies, but we also found that fully armed guards at the temples delighted in decorating their walkie talkies as well! I know...corrupting western influence...but it's hard to resist when it brings such a smile to people's faces.

Perfume and lipstick samples are another great handout for the ladies -- they love these little luxuries.

On a more serious note, I have heard there is a way to sponsor a well for a village in Cambodia. Does anyone know more about this or what organization runs this program?
 
Old Jan 6th, 2003, 02:56 AM
  #6  
win
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Hi,

I bring balloons, lots of it and just inflate it and give to the kids...they usually return a toothless smile and giggle. Pens and past seasons winter jackets are also favourites items to bring.

 
Old Jan 6th, 2003, 09:41 AM
  #7  
Marilyn
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win, balloons are a great idea. I think I'll throw some in my suitcase on my next trip. The kids will love them!
 
Old Jan 6th, 2003, 06:28 PM
  #8  
Sarah Rey
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Sorry but I am not into handing out gifts, toys, balloons, there are many reasons why not. I agree it is always nice to do things but if you are travelling I prefer to 'bide my time' before giving anything out. I always find that at some stage during my travels I come across a worthy person ( or animal ).
When dealing with charities instead of providing money I prefer to buy items that they need. If it's a children's home then I will contact them and ask them what they are need of, genuine charities will usually ask for sensible items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc. These are a drain on their funds. Writing materiel, picture books etc, but don't give to individual children you see.
There are so many hard working people in charities, the other side of the coin is that there are charities that operate like business giants.
I once took a ride in a battered old samlor where the rider who was not that old had a very old artificial leg. He was not begging, he was working hard to make ends meet. He smiled, was humble, he I thought was a deserving case and I managed to ask him about any children and he had 5. I sliped what was probably the biggest tip of his life into his hand.
All across Asia there are small charities doing brilliant work, in humble surrounds, they do need our help.
You will also find Aids charities that are in dire need of soap, combs, towels etc.
 
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