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Back-to-back hurricanes that hit Central America in September, the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen have all increased the need for international assistance. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Center for International Disaster Information, many people wish to help in global disaster relief efforts. However, most people don’t know how to do so effectively.
Money donations are the best method to support international disaster relief efforts. Cash donations are quick and flexible. They allow relief organizations to buy exactly what they need, when they need it, and help local economies. Material goods, such as food, water and clothing, can incur additional costs. These include transportation and storage. They may also be culturally insensitive or hinder relief efforts.
USAID hosts an annual Public Service Announcements for International Disasters contest for college students. This contest encourages people to spend money. This year, there were nearly 90 submissions coming from 11 universities. Arizona State University was the winner of the 2021 contest. This is the first time that the contest has been won in its 15 year history. Five experts in the communications and humanitarian fields judged entries.
A further three entries were chosen as the People’s Choice winners. This competition allows the public vote on their favorite contest entries in each category via the PSAid site.
“I learned that donating physical items to overseas disasters often does more harm than good,”Molly Gaffey is a People’s Choice winner for the video category, and a University of Michigan student. “Although these items are provided in good intention, they come with barriers that can be avoided with monetary donations.”
A few of the winning PSAs will appear in magazines and be aired on popular TV programs. They will also be used in CIDI’s ‘Cash is Best’ education efforts.
Some myths regarding donating cash to international disasters are:
MYTH: It is impossible to give enough money to make an impact.
FACT: Even small donations can make a huge difference in the lives of victims of disasters around the world. A $5 donation to Haiti will purchase a life-saving dose of antibiotics. A $10 donation can buy 90 people regular healthcare for one year in Zimbabwe. Java: $50 pays for a month’s food supply for volunteers who rebuild homes in aid of earthquake victims. Source: www.globalgiving.org
MYTH: I don’t need to give cash to victims. Most of the money will be used for administrative expenses.
FACT: Many reputable international disaster response organizations direct monetary donations to relief programs in the area. It is crucial that donors feel comfortable giving to their chosen charity and investigate their methods. Cash donations are more impactful than donated goods.
Visit PSAid.orgClick here for more information, and to see the winning PSA entries.
