Responding to Overseas Disasters and Emergencies: How you can make a difference

Case Study

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When you last saw pictures of a human disaster on the television or in the papers, such as images of people running away from a war zone, or hungry people whose crops have died because of drought, what did you feel for those people? What did those people need? Did you think about how you could help? Did you do something to help, or did you think there was nothing you or other Australians could do?

Australians can, and do, help in two main ways. One is through the Australian Government's Overseas Aid Program, managed by AusAID, where about one per cent of Australians' taxes support a range of emergency and longer term projects in health, agriculture, education, community buildings and services, and government. During disasters, AusAID gives money to non government overseas aid organisations to give the most basic needs of clean water, food, shelter, clothing, health and medical supplies.

The second and very important way in which we can help is through our actions as individuals, families, communities, organisations or businesses. As global citizens, there are many things we can do to help each other and work towards the goal of a better world for all. Some activities, however, particularly when disasters happen, are more helpful than others. It is important, therefore, to know what are the most helpful activities.

Money is the best way to help

The most helpful activity during a disaster is the donation of money to non government overseas aid organisations. This is because the organisations:

• usually have qualified people already working in the countries who understand the situation, understand the people's cultures, and know the local languages.
• know many individuals and community groups
• know where to buy the basic goods at the cheapest price
• check that as much money as possible is spent on the goods or services the people need.

What not to give

The donation of food is usually not a good idea. Unless food is requested - non-perishable and clearly labelled - it can cause major problems for relief authorities, taking paid workers and unpaid volunteers away from the main job of helping people. The costs of sorting, storing, packing, labelling (in English and in the recipient country's language) then transporting food may be higher than the cost of buying it in the country of need or from a nearby country. Sometimes, the donations may also not be the sorts of food the people eat, or may need to go through quarantine inspections, or need to have custom charges paid. Air transport is also expensive and there can be delays in getting the food to the people if using other forms of transport. In such cases, the food is not delivered overseas.

Also, donations of clothing, footwear, blankets, cooking utensils and toys are usually not a good idea. Unless requested - always in clean and good condition - it is again usually better for organisations to buy them in the country of need or from a neighbour. Time and labour may again be wasted in Australia through storing then sorting through, and throwing out, unclean clothing, odd pairs of shoes, broken utensils and toys or items that do not suit the climate or cultures of the people in need. If in good condition, the items again need to be packed and labelled in Australia, may require fumigation and quarantine clearance overseas, and may also need to have custom charges paid before they are given out. Transport costs and delays are also worries. In most cases, the above sorts of items are not sent overseas.

Donations of medical and health supplies are not a good idea. The donation of medicines must be based on strict World Health Organisation and international Red Cross standards. The medicines must have a shelf life of at least six months after arriving in a country. In most cases, because of the costs and the delays involved, and because workers in the countries know exactly what is needed, it is again best for the supplies to be bought overseas.

If in doubt about how to help, contact your local non government overseas aid organisations to hear what they are doing, and what fund-raising activities they recommend. But also think creatively about what you can do to raise money - as an individual, a class, a school, family, or community group, or through the support of local organisations and businesses. Begin by thinking of activities that have taken place in your school or community recently. For example, some schools are involved in activities such as the Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want, the World Vision Forty Hour Famine, or the Caritas Lenten Appeal. Join in or start the programs. Some schools also have trash and treasure days, cake stalls, car washes, sausage sizzles and competitions. But there are many other - and original - things you can do. think about the talents of the people involved in your fund raising and what resources you have. What can you make? What can you do? How will you do it? When? Where? Whatever you choose, publicise it, encourage others to join in, and educate people about your cause. Why you are acting is one of the most important messages - because we can all make a great difference to the lives of people not as fortunate as us, and the time to start helping and to feel good about it is now.

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