Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Problem with Charities
Actually, part of the whole problem with charities in Singapore lies with Singaporeans.
Many Singaporeans expect the pay of those working in the caring profession, or charities to be at a big "discount" on market value. Singaporeans who give to charities expect the organisation to squeeze the maximum from every dollar raised and will nod approvingly when told that such a charity keeps payroll expenses low. Donors do not understand the needs of social workers and are likely to point fingers at such a high pay packet. Many think that charity chiefs drawing high salaries are generally greedy.
The public should be more emphathetic towards them and put ourselves in their shoes. They are also humans and need to raise families. They do not want millions but maybe they want to be able to give their children the perks that their friends' kids have.
Moreover, the model of cheap and good charities may not be the best for the society. After all, many complex problems will crop up with the aging population and the widening income gap. Hence, the scope for non-profit organisations to offer social services will expand.
In order for charities to provide better quality of care and be more compassionate and efficient, Singaporeans should try to change their "cheap and good" mentality of charities and contribute more not only to help the less fortunate but also to allow social workers to earn as much as their peers.
; 9:02 PM
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