Around the world, it cannot be denied that there are a lot of people who are experiencing poverty and issues regarding their manner of living. A lot would depend on where they are situated, the country and of course the manner of living that majority of the region is experiencing. Not all countries are blessed with a good economy to which people can find a way to survive with the available jobs to choose from. Some are just plain unlucky to be situated in them like Vietnam, Africa and so on.

The good thing about the world is that people from other countries do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to the best of their abilities. Help in any form cannot be measured and people in need do not really have much choice. Hence beggars really cannot be choosers in this case.

Help in the form of food, clothing and other materials essential for living is being sent to most parts of the world. Some would even render volunteer work and services just to reach them. In a sense, they can call themselves lucky that there are people who still care for what the world has to deal with today.

Categories: Activities, Analysis, Campaigns, Charities, Children, Disaster Relief, Events, Fundraising, Ideas, Inspiration, Jobs, News, Organizations, Programs, Tips, Veterans | Tags: aid, charity, Jobs, Organizations, volunteer-work

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There are people in need everywhere. Some of them are right in your own backyard. Some of them are on the opposite side of the world. No matter where it is, Wherever the Need (WTN) tries to assist.

Wherever the Need is an organization that chooses to implement projects that will have long term effects. Water for example is of prime importance to them. They work to provide clean drinking water for the people- which is critical for people to stay healthy, and if possible to the livestock and plants as well. They are very environmentally minded. They always try to ensure that their projects are earth friendly.

Wherever the need isn’t as big an organization as some but they are registered in the UK and the US.The fact that they aren’t as big an organization means that it is possible for relationships to grow between benefactors and the recipients. For those who like to make a difference and feel like they are extending their circle of family and friends, this is a great choice

One beauty of this organization is that you can approach them about a project that you woud like to start and they can help you to make it happen. It is your project but they help get it up and running. So if you know of a group that really needs your help, don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of WTN. Be prepared to do your part of course. You will be involved every step of the way with your project; it is worth it!.

Categories: Activities, Charities, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Fundraising, Ideas, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: charitable-organizations, charity, donations, Wherever the Need

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How was your weekend? Just like many other people around the world, you probably enjoyed your break from your work week; but I am sure that you also heard about what happened in Chile. They got hit by an 8.8 earthquake – more than a degree stronger than the quake that shattered the country of Haiti.

It hasn’t been more than a day or so since this happened, and the damages are only now being seen in Chile. The death toll has reached hundreds, and the numbers are expected to rise. Tsunamis have been triggered by the quake, with the waves reaching as far as Japan and Russia. Fortunately for those countries, they didn’t really get affected.

It’s another story in Chile, though. The people of this country need our help now. In the United States, you can help through SMS:

• SMS text “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity
• SMS text “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 to World Vision
• SMS text “REBUILD” to 50555 to donate $10 to Operation USA
• SMS text “YOUTH” to 20222 to donate $10 to UNICEF

You can also donate through Google Checkout here. They are receiving donations for UNICEF and Direct Relief International.

There are also numerous other ways by which you can donate – those are perhaps the most convenient. However, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zones and find more ways to help. Mashable has an extensive list here. Visit your local Red Cross and other organizations that may be holding their own operations. This is not the time to sit back and relax. You never know, next time, it might be you needing this kind of help.

Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Disaster Relief | Tags: Charities, Chile, Google Checkout, Haiti, Mashable, SMS donations

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The advent of mobile technology has made giving donations to charities so much easier. When the awful flooding hit The Philippines late last year, major mobile carriers in the country opened up text lines to accept donations. When news of the Haiti earthquake became known, the same thing has happened in a much wider scale.

Experts tell us, however, that while it is convenient for us to donate through text messages, it may take up to 90 days before the money actually gets to the people who can use the money to help the victims. The good news is that mobile carriers are already implementing measures to help hasten the process.

On the other hand, this convenience has also opened up possibilities of scammers getting through to well-intentioned individuals. As such, you have to be careful and discerning in how you donate money to Haiti. Here are some tips to help you out.

• Check out numbers with the mentioned charity. You can do this by going to their web site or giving them a call. Facebook status messages are all over the place: send HAITI to this number and that number to donate to certain charities. Before you send anything, check it out first.
• Do not click on links in e-mails and instant messages automatically just because they say something about Haiti. This is a formula for disaster. Either you get a virus or you become a victim of phishing. Again, whatever the charity is, make sure you check it out first. Google is not here for nothing, you know.
• Visit the Better Business Bureau’s web site or give them a call. If you want to donate to a certain group and you have misgivings, your best bet is to get in touch with this agency.

Have you done your part yet? If not, it’s time that you did, but make sure you do it safely!

Categories: Disaster Relief, International Aid, Tips | Tags: Haiti, International Aid, mobile donations, natural-disasters, Tips

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Remember what happened to Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit several years ago? The hurricane dumped more than an inch of rainfall for three hours, and then it dumped 0.5 inches of rain for the next 5 hours or so. We all know what happened.

Now think of a tropical storm dumping an average of 2.24 inches of rain per hour for six hours straight. Think of a metropolis crammed with millions and millions of people – many of them living near swollen rivers in makeshift shanties. You can just imagine the disaster!

This is exactly what happened to Metro Manila and outlying areas on Saturday, September 26. The center of the nation was left helpless under the wrath of nature. Even the business district was flooded, with cars being swept away by the flood waters.

Ordinary people were left stranded in the middle of the highways. Others were stuck on the roofs of their houses. The less fortunate ones were carried away by the raging waters.

One thing is clear: these people need help.

You will be amazed at how quickly the Filipino people are banding together to offer their help. Numerous institutions have opened their arms as hosts to those who have been displaced. Churches, schools, and community centers have risen to the occasion. Others have volunteered to pack relief goods. People have also been using technology non-stop to do their part – spreading information, asking for rescue, even sending donations to the Philippine Red Cross through their mobile phones. Nothing is too small, and nothing too big – the Filipino nation is showing their “bayanihan” spirit and is proud of it.

For those who want to donate or help in whatever way you can, here’s the relevant information.

• Red Cross donation via SMS: text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
• Relief goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308). Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).
• TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy.
• Generous souls in the US who wish to help in the rescue and relief operations, you may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-435-7669.

Categories: Campaigns, Charities, Disaster Relief, News | Tags: donations, natural-disasters, philippines, red-cross, relief good, rescue operations, tropical storm, typhoon, typhoon ondoy

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