MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Many people would like to help the poor, but are uncertain which charities to support.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser receives requests from charities to publicise their need for donations from time to time.
Sometimes, after making enquiries and doing research, the Advertiser finds that some "charities" are not legitimate and also that there have been complaints against the "charities".
The Advertiser is also contacted by people who have given to "charities" and they would like to publicise the fact that they have supported them. Because of numerous complaints about the charities that have come to the Advertiser's attention or a court case against them, the Advertiser is unable to publicise this giving or to give these "charities" publicity.
To make sure that your donation of cash or goods is used honestly and goes to the people for whom it is intended, always do your own research on charities.
If they are non-profit organisations or non-profit companies, their financial records should be open to the public. You may ask to see the records. Ask them who their current sponsors are and phone those sponsors yourself to double check.
Ask about the charity in the community. Ask to see evidence of the work the charity is doing in the community.
If children are the beneficiaries, make sure their parents are not using donated cash or selling donated items to buy alcohol or drugs.
Here is a list of charities who have a good reputation in the community. There are many more. These are just some of them. Their contact details can be found on the internet.
- The Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC)
- Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.)
- National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Mossel Bay
- The Myrtle Tree (NPO supporting single mothers)
- The Skipper Foundation (NPO which provides free sailing coaching and prepares the youth to enter jobs in the ocean economy)
- The Mossel Bay Surf Lifesaving Club (MBSLC)
- ACVV, Mossel Bay
- Child Welfare
- Leolan Academy for children with special needs.
- The Mossel Bay Advertiser Oliver Twist Project, which assists where there is a need in communities (044 691 1768).
If you are a charity and can provide references and evidence of the good work you do and your financial records are open to scrutiny and you would like publicity, contact the Advertiser (044 691 1768).
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