In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Donors beware: Haiti relief scams rampant

(Toronto Star) Rosemary McCarney, President and CEO of Plan Canada, said Monday donations to its Haiti relief fund made by Canadians have topped $1.3M since the Jan. 12 earthquake. Part of the organization's success is due to the efficiency of text and web campaigns, which were less prevalent during fundraising for the last catastrophic natural disaster - the south-east Asia tsunami in 2004. Is donating from your mobile phone a safe way give? How do you know where your money ends up?

1.

Rapper Wyclef Jean's personal plea

Wyclef Jean's Blog
Perhaps America's most famous Haitian American, Wyclef Jean established the Yéle Haiti Foundation after the devastating effects of Hurricane Jeanne hit his home country in 2005. This week the Caribbean-born rapper came under fire when the Smoking Gun website (remember James Frey?) uncovered Internal Revenue Service records showing Jean failed to provide state disclosure reports and has a history of dishonesty with the distribution of his group's finances acquired from celebrity and fan donations. Jean is still imploring followers to donate to his Haiti earthquake relief fund via text message on his website.

2.

Stick with well-known charities: FTC

Federal Trade Commission
The website of the Federal Trade Commission is maintained by the United States government. It has the aim of protecting American consumers and promoting competition in the economy. The FTC oversees charity fraud within the U.S. but can only warn citizens about the risks of donating abroad. The website provides tips to consumers to ensure their money reaches the desired recipients and advises that the best way to help Haiti is to donate directly to established, recognized organizations.

3.

Canadian government will match donations to Haiti relief, must meet criteria

Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund
Canadians looking to stretch their donation dollars should consult the Government of Canada website for details on how gifts can be doubled. Donations made between Jan. 12 and Feb. 12, 2010, will be matched. To meet the eligibility requirements, gifts must be made to a registered charity that is receiving donations in response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti and the donation must be specifically directed by the organization toward the purpose of responding to the earthquake.

4.

Salvation Army engages new generation of Canadian donors

Salvation Army Canada
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that aims to meet the needs of vulnerable groups within its communities through fundraising and ministerial efforts. It wants to engage a new generation of philanthropists through social media. The program was the first to launch a text-donation campaign in Canada, following various efforts set up with cell phone companies in the U.S. after the earthquake in Haiti. Donors can text the world "HAITI" to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility and Telus cell phone to contribute $5.00 to The Salvation Army. All gifts will go directly toward The Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief.

5.

Reputable Haitian relief charities

Charity Navigator
And if you're still feeling philanthropic after emptying your pockets for Haiti, check out this site's list of 4-star charities. Each program is graded after a tally on its organizational efficiency and expenses. The site lists income statements and charts the charity's expenses breakdowns, including the percentage kept as compensation by the organization's director.