Yahoo! Singapore Answers blog

Recently the Y! Singapore Editors posed 2 questions on Answers. One relating to whether we, as citizens, feel obliged to donate back to society as encouraged by our Prime Minister. And the other, a recent question, asked what we think should be done to prevent the misuse of funds in charitable organisations.

It is ironic how these two questions came one after the other. The first discusses how as a developed society, those who have the means should consider donating funds to help the poor. Especially seeing how the cost of living has increased substantially over the years and even basic necessities are becoming pricier (They are talking about raising transportation prices AGAIN! Can you believe that!?). Personally I feel that yes, we should try and contribute back to the society whichever way we can, be it monetary (Saturday flag days) or manually (volunteering to take care of the elderly).

(Photo thanks to Mr Miyagi)

Fold a crane for charity!

But then a piece of news came along and shattered, or at least wavered, our confidences in the charitable organisations in Singapore. Granted the news is still in the preliminary stage and as the Americans say, all are innocent until proven guilty. But it’s still quite shocking to hear of a head of a big charitable organisation being accused of 10 charges, including forgery, misappropriation of funds and conspiracy to give false information to the Commissioner of Charities.

Does this mean that as a public, we should be more careful of all calls for donation? Should the government step in and be more strict in auditing these organisations? Do you think that charities should not handle money directly?

(Photo thanks to kool_skatkat)

Is money really the root of all evil?