donating money

Australia
January 24, 2011 10:06am CST
We had recent floods two weeks ago in Australia. I donated $5 to the flood relief and I noticed that there was a $5 New Zealand note and a $1 US note. These are not Australian currency. The currency exchange companies will charge them a fee to exchange these. I would never do this to any charity (currency not Australian) not to mention a charity that so many people and families were effected and lost everything. I consider it in a way disrespectful and a kick in the guts. Currency exchange companies have a minimum amount before they will exchange any currency. I think they should waive that and the fees because it is a charity but they don't. What are your views on this?
5 responses
@aisoice (272)
• Indonesia
25 Jan 11
The bank should provide the difference between business and charity, for business purposes only natural that charge, but for charitable purposes should not be fair if charge, because the charity is not commercial but social.
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
24 Jan 11
I think that donating foreign currency is a complete waste of time. Why people would do that is beyond me? Surely they would have had some Aussie money if they were here in the country! Hopefully registered charities get some sort of fee free transactions for exchanging currencies. It would make sense that they do, but it would not surprise me if they did not.
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
24 Jan 11
I have heard about the floods. I read something about this being the largest natural disaster in history in economical terms. I have never even thought about currency exchange problems in this type of situation. I agree with you in that they should waive this rule for charities.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
24 Jan 11
Hi there. I'd like to salute you for your noble gesture. And as for your discussion, you have a great point there. These companies should waive such policy if it is intended for charitable works. Maybe to give a little humanitarian works... But, some people are just selfish. They do not care what is happening to the people around them as long as they are getting profit or things are in their favor. This is sad, but very true.
@JohnMach (550)
• Philippines
24 Jan 11
I think the same. It's a charity after all. They should give greed a break and look at what's important and who really needs the money.