Helpless

This is so overwhelming it just doesn’t seem real.

I’ve lived in places with smaller populations than the number of dead. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like.

A note to those who want to help: Please give generously if you can, but do your research. For example, more of your donation dollars will go directly to helping those affected with real solutions (such as food and water, instead of religious literature and administration costs) if you give to the Red Cross instead of World Vision. Doctors Without Borders, who have a presence in the area, will be able to more efficiently use donation dollars for medical care than a smaller organization who may have to use a greater percentage of the dollars in order to mobilize. In times of tragedy, it’s easy to want to give so badly that you do it blindly. Do your research, make the choice, and donate where you believe is best.

HOW TO HELP (from Canada.com)

Canadians considering making a financial donation can contact the following established relief organizations or another preferred charity.

Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-418-1111 or www.redcross.ca

Oxfam Canada: 1-800-466-9326 (1-800-GO-OXFAM) or www.oxfam.ca

World Vision Canada: 1-800-268-5528 or www.worldvision.ca

UNICEF Canada: 1-877-955-3111 or www.unicef.ca

Canadian Tamil Congress: 1-416-751-8777

Canadian Relief Organization for Peace in Sri Lanka 1-416-429-2822

Development and Peace: 1-888-664-3387 or www.devp.org

Christian Children’s Fund of Canada: 1-800-263-5437 or www.ccfcanada.ca

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto: 416-631-5705 or www.jewishtoronto.com

Doctors without Borders Canada: 1-800-982-7903 or http://www.msf.ca/

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