Oxfam outrage shouldn’t make members of public think twice about donating to smaller charities

WHAT has prompted me to write this letter is my concern over the impact of the ongoing controversy involving Oxfam in terms of a possible reduction in support for charity organisations.

It may be that members of the public will now be less inclined to support the very large charity organisations.

But my real anxiety is that it could also impact smaller charities that depend totally on donations.

I became involved with Operation Rescue, a small charity working with HIV/aids orphans and destitute children in Ethiopia. The group, which is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, runs three centres in northern Ethiopia, working with almost 700 children.

Local trustees channel support to the project and our current commitment is to enable the building of a much-needed fourth centre, in Maichew.

All monies donated to Operation Rescue go straight to Ethiopia and trustees personally cover any administration costs. Operation Rescue itself has very low level of administration costs (only 12% including salaries).

My greatest concern is for this Ethiopian charity, which won my heart on my first visit in 2005. I have made many visits since then to Operation Rescue at my own expense and, like all those who visit, I am passionate about it.

My appeal is to urge people with any reservations about donating to a charity to access information on the Charity Commission website, or make direct contact with the trustees. Do not be tempted, in the face of these events, to withdraw support to charities that seek to reach out to the many poor and vulnerable people in our world.

KATE DOHERTY

Chair of trustees Operation Rescue UK and Ireland