Talk about scams and fraud brings to mind the Nigerian scams that were prevalent in the early 1990s which perpetuated further as electronic mail became more accessible. In recent years, a new type of fraud has started to manifest itself as charity fraud, dragging down the reputation of other legitimate charities in the process. Misuse of funds or forgery should never be seen in charity organisations anywhere in the world but repeated cases reported in Singapore are eroding the trust of Singaporeans as one becomes too sceptical of charity organisations to donate.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) saga and the Ren Ci probe are still very much fresh in the minds of every Singaporean. NKF and Ren Ci are arguably two of the biggest and most high profile charity organisations in Singapore. The controversy they were embroiled in has shocked and shattered the confidence of donors. There have also been cases of foreigners masquerading as monks and nuns collecting alms from Singaporeans and evading police by making quick getaways. Let’s also not forget the incident where a catholic priest, Joachim Kang embezzled 5.1 million in church funds.
The Singaporean government has since taken steps to regulate the activities of charity organisations in a bid to make the accounts more transparent. In fact 21 charities were de-registered in 2007, although details of why they have ceased to exist are yet to be released by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. In a speech given at the opening of the new premises of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had urged fellow Singaporeans to donate according to their means and from their heart.
In public places, we often see uniformed teenagers holding metal tin cans selling flags and even in universities, we encounter students doing fund-raising activities for their overseas volunteer projects. The question thus posed would then be whether university students are in the giving frame of mind or simply sceptical about it. Even as they give, would they check or query the legitimacy of such events.
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5 comments:
Just when the public are slowly forgetting the NKF saga and slowing picking up confidence on the charity organizations, there came the Ren Ci incident. This is another great blow to the charity organizations in Singapore. I myself is skeptical and will certainly take an extra note on who I am donating my money to when approach by those flagging students in public. I believe most flagging students are not sure of the beneficiaries that they are raising money for because they are doing this for the sake of their CIP (Community Involvement Programme) hours. This is not the right mentality. To help regain the confidence of the public, flaggers should be able to explain to the public their cause instead of just asking for donations.
Hi Ho Teck,
Indeed, recent charity frauds and misuse of fund in reputable charity organisations had shocked and shattered the confidence of donors. On the other hand, these frauds also gave the public a slap in the face, reminding donors not to donate for the sake of giving when being asked to do so. To donate from the heart, donors should at least ask the fund-raisers and flaggers about the purpose of their donations.
I believe your research report would show the need for public donations and remind university students of the less fortunate ones in the society that need a helping hand. Hopefully, it will also cultivate students to have benevolent hearts in them forever.
I'm sure the public are much more wary of donating to charity nowadays because of these exposes. In Britain, people go from door-to-door collecting for every imaginable cause,mostly legitimate but sometimes bogus. Top executive of charities also enjoy the same lifestyle and privileges as the CEOs of commercial companies which deters even more potential donors as they question the motives of these 'do-gooders.'
Teacher-Fiona
Hi Ho Teck,
The NKF and Ren Ci probe affected people so much because they would organize fund-raising events annually that were broadcast. They would be filled with programs of sing and dance, and sometimes asking the artists to perform dangerous stunts. With so much money donated, people are surely shocked when these two charity organizations hinted a scam.
I believe that leaders should have virtues of honesty and high levels of integrity values that they adhere to when faced with dilemmas requiring them to make choices between competing sets of values and priorities. At the same time, the organizations have to share information and show their financial statements, be accessible and demonstrate transparency in their operations.
With so many fund-raising events being organized and carried out yearly, this research project would be beneficial to everyone to find out if people do check the legitimacy of such events before they donate.
Jimmy
ES2007S Group 2
Hi Barry,
Indeed such frauds have shattered the confidence and betrayed the innocence of many who have donated to NKF and Ren Ci over the years. While the donors should exercise some responsibility in at least asking the purpose of the charity, the government should be doing more to regulate such activities and prevent another similar fiasco.
Regards
Ho Teck
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