Responses from British Red Cross for the “Small Print”

昨日書いた「但し書き」の続きです。掲示板からの抜粋ですが、何人かの方が送った疑問について、イギリス赤十字からの返答を転載させて頂きました。

I would like to explain that we have to put this ‘Disaster Fund Caveat’ on every emergency appeal we run. As the statement explains it is only in the event that we raise far more money than we can responsibly spend in that area that we would put any extra money to our disaster fund.

This had never happened before as the need always tends to be greater than what we raise. All donations for this appeal are being sent directly to the Japanese Red Cross to use in the affected area.

寄付金が多く集まり過ぎた場合は他の事案に回すかもしれないが、過去に例はなかった。全ての寄付金は日本赤十字社に直接送られ、被災地のために使われるとのこと。

もう一人の方への返事はこういうもの。

Yes, the information you read does stand, but has only (in my experience), had to happen at the end of a very long appeal. And in most cases the disaster that is being provided for had initially received a lump sum from the Red Cross reserve as it was needed in a hurry obviously, while we collected specifically for the appeal. Therefore if there is any surplus it will only be replacing the initial sum of money so that there is a reserve that can be instantly accessed when we respond to the next disaster. The Red Cross works this way because the nature of our Disaster Response work dictates that in each case funds will be needed instantly.

但し書きに書いてあることは本当だが、経験上、長期間に渡るアピールの終わりにのみ起こりうる。そして、もし超過が出たとしても、災害直後に赤十字の貯蓄分から緊急支出された額を補填する目的のみに使われる。との説明。

過去にそういう例があったか無かったかは、二つのレスは矛盾しているけれど、この説明が本当なら、納得できる。British Red Crossも募金サイトやQ&Aでちゃんと明記していれば、私達も疑いもたずにすみ、質問状など送る必要は無かったのに。ちなみに私も質問メールを送っていますが、2日経った今、まだ返事は頂いていません。

A new information to my yesterday’s entry about “small print” of charities. Here are responses from British Red Cross to some people inquired about the issue, excerpted from the internet communication board.

Here is one.

I would like to explain that we have to put this ‘Disaster Fund Caveat’ on every emergency appeal we run. As the statement explains it is only in the event that we raise far more money than we can responsibly spend in that area that we would put any extra money to our disaster fund.

This had never happened before as the need always tends to be greater than what we raise. All donations for this appeal are being sent directly to the Japanese Red Cross to use in the affected area.

Another response to a different person.

Yes, the information you read does stand, but has only (in my experience), had to happen at the end of a very long appeal. And in most cases the disaster that is being provided for had initially received a lump sum from the Red Cross reserve as it was needed in a hurry obviously, while we collected specifically for the appeal. Therefore if there is any surplus it will only be replacing the initial sum of money so that there is a reserve that can be instantly accessed when we respond to the next disaster. The Red Cross works this way because the nature of our Disaster Response work dictates that in each case funds will be needed instantly.

If what they say is true, I have no problem, though two responses conflict with each other whether any case of surplus happened in the past or not. However, the problem is that British Red Cross doesn’t explain the issue on their web page, either in the appeal or Q&A. If they do, we don’t have to be suspicious or waste some time to write to them and their time to write back. I also sent an inquiry to the Red Cross but I haven’t heard from them so far for two days. I guess they are busy at this time – another reason for them to clarify it on their website!

↓ 今日見つけた支援情報

• 在英国大使館による義援金受付
• セカンドハーベストジャパン（被災地で支援を行っているNGO）
• AMDA（被災地で支援を行っているNGO。海外からの送金方法の記載あり）
• アニマルレフュージ関西（被災動物の支援。私も寄付しました）
• facebook: Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support（被災動物の支援）
• Gambaré Japan ~ We are with you ＠ Jamboree（チャリティイベント。3月19日）
• ヨーク親子の会：東北地方太平洋沖地震の復興支援イベント（3月19日）

↓ Additional information for help for Today

• Donation through Embassy of Japan in the UK
• AMDA international
• Animal Refuge Kansai
• facebook: Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support
• Gambaré Japan ~ We are with you fundrasing music event＠ Jamboree (March 19)
• York Japanese Families’ Association: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal (March 19)

Vodpod videos no longer available.
悲しいニュースが多い中で、心温まる話。涙を誘います。早く助けが来るといいな。

Heartwarming footage of the dog that refuses to abandon the wounded companion. Hope they will be saved soon…

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Read the “Small Print” on Charity’s Appeal

東北地方での地震発生から5日。まだ原発は危険な状態が続いており、各国政府は、被災地のみならず東京からの自国人の緊急避難を促している。被災地では寒さが続き、燃料不足と被曝への不安から物資が届かず、被災者の方たちの苦難は続く。国内外で不安がどんどん高まり、気分が滅入る。そんな絶望的な状況の中で、イギリスで支援の輪が増えてきたのが、せめてもの慰めだ。

ただ、インターネット掲示板などでも話題になっている事だが、いくつかの慈善団体が、日本への義援金集めと言いながら、目立たぬ但し書きで「もし必要以上にお金が集まった場合は、余剰の寄付金が他の案件に使われることもある」と書いている（イギリス赤十字、Save the Childrenなど）。私が何とか力になりたいという衝動で寄付した時は、東北地震と謳っているからには当然集まったお金は日本の被災地のために使われると思い込んでいたので、説明なんて読まなかった。売買や契約などの際は、きちんと規約を読むようにしていたけれど、まさか慈善団体への寄付も、詳細を隅から隅まで読まないといけないとは思わなかった。どの慈善団体もそうなのだろうか？最後尾にせよ、募集サイト上に書いている赤十字は可愛いもので、Save the Childrenなどは、「寄付」をクリックしたあと、右側にある「Donation Q&As」から「What happens if an emergency appeal exceeds its target?」を再度クリックしないと、表示されないという手の込みよう。

慈善団体は、彼らなりに今どこが援助を最も必要としているかを考えて、寄付金の使途を決めるのだろうが、特定の義援金集めを謳っている場合、人々は寄付金をその為に使ってくれると信じて寄付する訳だから、もしその他の事に使う可能性があるのであれば、そのことを人々に明確に告知する義務があるのではないか。これは掲示板からの抜粋だけれど、このことを赤十字に指摘したところ、返ってきた答えが以下の通り。

For sure that the charities allocate the fund wherever necessary and won’t waste the money (though British Red Cross is said to charge 28% commission), but I feel a bit betrayed if they call an appeal for specific cause but use the money for something else. I believe that not many people read all the description and know that their money may be spent for other causes, therefore, charities should be more clear about it – writing big or in red, or whatever make it more visible. Someone on the communication board pointed out the issue to the British Red Cross, and here is their response.

We always caveat our donations for international appeals as dependent on the coverage some appeals can be heavily over subscribed leaving charities with restricted money that they cannot reasonably spend and in some cases, as happened in America when Hurricane Katrina struck a few years ago, there is no option left but to simply give out cash grants to those affected.

Of course it is unlikely to happen for this appeal, but we are deliberately keeping it low level because the Japanese Red Cross has been overwhelmed with donations from within country and is now receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

As a developed country well able to withstand this type of emergency, Japan was not looking for financial assistance, but at the same time the UK public want to give in support of the appeal and so we have agreed to act as a conduit in the short term.

その中で赤文字部分が気になる。日本赤十字社などとやり取りをした中でこう言われたのかもしれないが、あれだけの惨状を目当たりにして、「日本は先進国だから自分たちの面倒は自分で見られる、財政援助は求めていない」なんて無神経な事が、どうして言えるんだろう。財政援助はいらないと思うのであれば、寄付金を集める意味などないのでは？イギリス赤十字社のサイトに、目標額と現在の寄付金総額が記されていないのも、疑問が残る。しかも、28％のマージンまで取ると聞いている。まあ、疑心暗鬼になっていても仕方ないから、被災者の方々にできる限りの支援が届く事を信じるしかないか。

↓ 今日見つけた支援情報

• 日本協会（Japan Society）: 東日本大震災災害救援基金（寄付金は全て地震・津波による被災地区での救助・支援活動を行う団体へ分配されるとあります）
• チャリティーガイドウォーク by 英国公認日本語ガイド協会
• Ocado Japan Appeal（オンライン・スーパーマーケットによる、JustGivingを通じての寄付）
• Salvation Army: Japan Disaster Fund（但し書きは見当たりませんが、気になる方はご確認を）
• World Vision UK: Japan Tsunami Appeal（但し書きは見当たりませんが、気になる方はご確認を）
• ガーディアン紙: How to donate to the Japan relief effort

It’s been five days since the Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami. But nuclear fear still remains and many countries encourage their people to evacuate from not only affected area but also from Tokyo as well. It is freezing cold in Tohoku, but substantial amount of aid materials can’t be reached out to the evacuees due to lack of fuels and drivers’ fear of radiation. Fear and anxiety inside and outside of Japan has been heightened, and it makes me feel depressed. However, a little hope in such despair is that the circle of help in Japan is getting bigger in UK.

However, there is a concern being discussed on Japanese internet communication boards – some charities, such as British Red Cross and Save the Children, put “small print” on their Japan earthquake and Tsunami appeal, indicating that there is a possibility that the money raised may not necessary be used for Tohoku region, when the funds raised exceed the “need”. When I donated money to British Red Cross, I rushed to proceed without reading the description as I was so concerned, believing that all my money would be delivered to the victims in Japan. I always read terms and condition carefully when I sign a contract or purchase something, but I’ve never thought that even established charities use the same tactic that commercial companies use. Now I am confused if all charities do the same?! British Red Cross put the sentence on the same page of appeal at least, though it is all the way down the bottom, but Save the Children let us click twice to see it – it is on the second page after you click “give now”, then “What happens if an emergency appeal exceeds its target?” from Donation Q&As on the right – clever way to make it less visible!

For sure that the charities allocate the fund wherever necessary and won’t waste the money, apart from the fact that British Red Cross is said to charge 28% commission, but I feel a bit betrayed if they call an appeal for specific cause but use the money for something else. I believe that not many people read all the description and know that their money may be spent for other causes. Charities should be more clear about it – writing big or in red, or whatever make it more visible. Someone on the communication board pointed out the issue to the British Red Cross, and here is their response.

We always caveat our donations for international appeals as dependent on the coverage some appeals can be heavily over subscribed leaving charities with restricted money that they cannot reasonably spend and in some cases, as happened in America when Hurricane Katrina struck a few years ago, there is no option left but to simply give out cash grants to those affected.

Of course it is unlikely to happen for this appeal, but we are deliberately keeping it low level because the Japanese Red Cross has been overwhelmed with donations from within country and is now receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

As a developed country well able to withstand this type of emergency, Japan was not looking for financial assistance, but at the same time the UK public want to give in support of the appeal and so we have agreed to act as a conduit in the short term.

I am quite disturbed with the sentence in red. They might be told by Japanese Red Cross, but it is quite insensitive comment by such an established charity. Considering the intensity of the damage caused by massive earthquake, fierce Tsunami, and possible nuclear contamination, how on earth they can think that there is no need for financial help?! If they believe so, why they even try to raise funds for?? I also don’t like that their website doesn’t show project target and progress, as Ocado Japan Appeal does, so that I have a choice not to donate if the target is achieved and the further donation will be given to others. Well, no point to be overly suspicious, and I just really hope that enough help will be delivered to the victims in Japan…

↓ Additional information for help for Today

• Japan Society: Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund (they claim all the funds raised are passed to local NPOs for long term support)
• Ocado Japan Appeal via JustGiving
• Salvation Army: Japan Disaster Fund (I haven’t found any small prints – but check carefully if you concerned)
• World Vision UK: Japan Tsunami Appeal (I haven’t found any small prints – but check carefully if you concerned)
• The Guardian: How to donate to the Japan relief effort

What We Can Do in UK…

3月11日に起こった東北地方太平洋沖地震から3日経った。しかし、まだまだ困難は立ちはだかる。いまだ行方不明者は約1万5000人、避難者も約45万人に上る。ダメージを受けた原子力発電所は放射線汚染を起こす危機をはらみ、予断を許さない状況だ。こんな時、私に何ができるだろう？と考えた。できる範囲で寄付もした。また微力ながら、このブログでもイギリスから寄付や支援ができるリンクや情報を掲載しました。新しい情報が入り次第、アップデートします。皆さんのご協力をお願いします！

＜寄付＞

• イギリス赤十字社「Japan Tsunami Appeal」＊2度に渡ってここに寄付したのですが、「In the event that we receive more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters both here in the UK and overseas（もし充分援助をしたら、集まった寄付金は他の事に使うかもしれない）」との但し書きを、ミクシィでどなたかが指摘していたのを見て、お勧めしない事にしました。その上、マージンを28％もとるそうです。
• Save the Chidren「Japan Emergency Appeal」
• Just Giving: Japan Earthquake – how you can help
• eBay for Charity: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Appeal
• Donate with PayPal: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief
• レディ・ガガ主催「Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband」

＊あと残り数時間ですが、Grouponでも寄付を受け付けています。集まった寄付金に加え、寄付金と同額（£70,000上限) をGroupon UK社が寄付してくれるそうです。

＜SNS＞

• facebook「For Japan」
• ミクシィ「東北地震◆イギリスからできる事 トピック」

It’s been 3 days since the deadly Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. However, the hardship is still far from over – there are still about 15,000 people missing and estimated 450,000 evacuees living inconvenience. Damaged nuclear power stations have caused great fears of meltdown, which could lead to nuclear nightmare. I thought about what can I do here in UK. I donated some money, and also I want to put web links of charities for donation and information of support networks in UK. I will update whenever I get new information. Your help is really appreciated!

<Donation>

• British Red Cross: Japan Tsunami Appeal * I donated twice to British Red Cross but decided not to recommend this as I found “small print” in description as “In the event that we receive more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters both here in the UK and overseas”, meaning that all the money raised for the appeal may not be used solely for Tsunami victims. In addition, I heard that they charge 28% commission from the total of donation.
  
• Save the Chidren: Japan Emergency Appeal
• Just Giving: Japan Earthquake – how you can help
• eBay for Charity: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Appeal
• Donate with PayPal: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief
• Lady Gaga’s「Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband」

＜SNS＞

• facebook「For Japan」

* Groupon also accepts donation until the end of today, although only few hours left. Any donation will be matched in full (up to the collated total value of £70,000) by Groupon UK.