Ozalina, да, я в последний свой приезд один раз на улице чуть не расплакалась из-за бездомной собаки...

self-made, as I understand first of all, the author of the article targets the recent promo-events of two people: Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Most of their capitals will not be given to their heirs, but to funds and trusts.

Being a devoted investor, he can not agree that someone may give money away without having control over what is going to happen to them. And it also could be just envy... ;)

And what about you, would you rather give money away to a fund or would you leave it to your child?

Secondly, as you said, charity should be smart. But do you think all the charity is smart? What about this famous story when scientists spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on curing and treating some sea animal. It was a huge project. Mass media was invited, charity organisations representatives were giving interviews... But in the next 10 minutes this sea animal was eaten by a shark... it was not a part of the plan lol was it smart charity?

And another thing...

I agree that poverty is terrible. And no one deserves it.

But would you be able to say that helping poor people in Africa is more important than sponsoring a talented child from Ukraine? Or organising an operation for a middle age woman, whom you know?
There are so many deifferent needs in the world... And how we, mere mortals, can judge which is more important?

Please, do not think that I am tough and never help people. This is not true. But I also know that helping others is not neccessarily called charity. Sometimes it is something that you give to a person, that you know... look around - you can always find someone in need...

Исходное сообщение extraodinary
And what about you, would you rather give money away to a fund or would you leave it to your child?

Of course all people would help their family and friends first – no doubt about it, and it is totally normal. I do not understand weird old ladies leaving all their money to an animal shelter and leaving nothing to their kids. That is not normal. But what I am saying... people like Bill Gates have so much money that even if they left, say, 90% to their heirs and 10% to charities – the 10% would be a very significant amount and their kids wouldn’t be left in poverty either ;) But this articles is speaking against any kinds of gifts to people you don’t personally know, in the author’s opinion you should only give to your family and maybe friends. I disagree.

Secondly, as you said, charity should be smart. But do you think all the charity is smart? What about this famous story when scientists spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on curing and treating some sea animal. It was a huge project. Mass media was invited, charity organisations representatives were giving interviews... But in the next 10 minutes this sea animal was eaten by a shark... it was not a part of the plan lol was it smart charity?

Of course I don’t think all charitable projects are smart. Your example is an obvious one, but there are also a lot of other charities that raise doubts as to their work being really necessary and helpful. For example here in Canada there are organizations supporting homeless people. Ok, sounds good. But then if you think about it – majority of those people are young and healthy (more or less) people, who just don’t want to work and prefer to live on the streets smoking weed. They could have easily gotten a job washing public washrooms or lifting boxes for a minimum wage (what many new-comers do here), but no – they don’t want that. Well, fine then – live on the street, if that’s what you want. I am not gonna give my money to a person like that.
But that is why you have the right to choose where to donate. Choose the project you support and donate. Whether it is Breast Cancer Foundation, or a charity saving poor kids in Africa and Asia, or a local animal shelter – there are so many choices out there. More than that, sometimes you don’t even have to donate actual money, you can donate some household items and clothes (which I do every time I move :)), you can donate your time by volunteering for a certain organization.

But would you be able to say that helping poor people in Africa is more important than sponsoring a talented child from Ukraine? Or organising an operation for a middle age woman, whom you know?
There are so many deifferent needs in the world... And how we, mere mortals, can judge which is more important?

I don’t think there is a right answer to this question. It is very personal. It depends on a particular person’s life experience and beliefs. Some people think it is most important not to just help poor in Africa, but also to bring to them the words of God – to promote Christianity; some think it is the most important thing to find a cure for breast cancer – because their family was touched by such tragedy; some pity homeless animals... The way I look at it – all of those choices are great (except for the obviously silly ones – like saving that sea creature ;)) It is your personal choice. I personally would prefer to sponsor a child from Ukraine, rather than a child from Africa, simply because I care for Ukraine more since it is my motherland. And right now I am researching such possibility, but you know how it is in our country – it’s really hard to make sure your money goes where it supposed to go and not to someone else’s pocket.

Please, do not think that I am tough and never help people. This is not true. But I also know that helping others is not neccessarily called charity. Sometimes it is something that you give to a person, that you know... look around - you can always find someone in need...

I totally agree that it is most important to help people around you. And it is not just by giving them money – just help psychologically, do something for them – there’re lots of opportunities. And I think I even wrote a post about it some time ago – sometimes we are too busy to notice those people around us that need help and they are too proud to ask for such help. And all of us help others every day without thinking much about it. But there are people out there that maybe do not have friends and family and charity is the only way they can get help...

self-made, I am glad that we think alike and I have a strong feeling that you have very kind and generous heart.
:)