OzBargain 2014 EoFY Charity Donation - Vote for Charities!

scotty on 13/06/2014 - 23:56
Last edited 21/06/2014 - 23:09

End of Financial Year is coming up, and like the previous two years, it is also the time for picking the charities to donate to. For this June, OzBargain has set aside $12,000 to donate to the top 3 charities in Australia that our community picked. Again, our preference is local charities with low administration cost (let's not get into the debate on the benefit of admin cost here). For this year we also want to donate to those who might have been affected by the Federal Budget the most.

So,

  • Maybe not ballerina schools nor school chaplaincy programs.
  • Maybe not Cancer Council this year, as the proposed Medicare co-payment would go to the proposed Medical Research Future fund.
  • Overseas relief? As that has been cut in the budget.

For me it would probably be something like Vinnies, Salvo or Swags — charities that do the ground work. However feel free to suggest any worthwhile causes, so even if they do not get to the top 3 voted here, the list can still be good a pointer for those who are thinking of doing their own EoFY donations.

I'll be using the new Take Suggestions from Commenters feature. So put in your suggestions when you comment, and I'll approve all reasonable ones when I get a chance. The poll will run for a week, so here's the time frame:

  • 14 June — start taking suggestions, and community can vote on approved suggestions.
  • 21 June — poll closed. Top 3 charities picked by the community.
  • 22-28 June — I'll arrange donations to those charities picked.

Let's keep the suggestions coming. Note that vote changing is allowed so feel free to change your preference when more options are available.

Edit: 18 June

We are half way through the poll and now have 30+ charities listed here and I think the list is long enough now. I'll stop approving new suggestions. Please vote from the existing options.

Edit: 21 June

The charities chosen by the communities and the donations to them are

  1. Swags for Homeless — $5,000
  2. Alzheimer's Australia — $4,000
  3. Westmead Children's Hospital — $3,000

Poll Options expired

Site Discussion

Comments

  • scotty on 14/06/2014 - 00:07
    +7
    Suggested Swags for Homeless

    Just to get the poll started, here's a suggestion: Swags for Homeless.

    This marks my 20th year living in Sydney, and over the last 2 decades I've seen the increase of homelessness especially in the inner-city area. Swags for Homeless manufacture and distribute "Backpack Beds", which are basically temporary shelters/beds for the homeless people.

    The donations basically go to them to manufacture the beds, and to the welfare agency partners who identify the homeless people in need and distribute the beds, hopefully getting them through winter.

    • pyramid on 14/06/2014 - 00:11

      I'm with you scotty..excellent work again….
      This one looks good as well.http://www.300blankets.com.au

    • Satoria on 14/06/2014 - 14:35
      +9

      I don't mean to be unfair or cruel, but wouldn't it be better to donate to a charity that addresses the root of the problem? Which is that there are people living on the streets. Shouldn't we help fund homeless shelter beds, emergency housing, and men's shelters?

      I guess the argument against me is that $1000 to swags for homeless touches more people than $1000 to a homeless shelter, as a permanent bed must cost much more than a swag.

      • donga100 on 14/06/2014 - 14:48

        Even if there was enough homeless shelter beds, emergency housing, and men's shelters there would still be homeless people as these places have to refuse those who are violent/aggressive due to drug addictions and mental health problems.

        • Outrageous fortune on 15/06/2014 - 13:37
          +2

          All excellent health but what ive noticed lately is the rise in Women with Children who are homeless. Simply nothing for them - no overnight accommodation, danger in sleeping rough or in cars and often hidden due to fear of children being removed.

      • Embaloo on 16/06/2014 - 22:48

        Yeah - like the salvos. They do excellent work in NSW from what I've seen, their homeless shelters being great refuges in Sydney near where the worst cases of homelessness are - surry hills, inner city etc.

        Rang the ambulance for a homeless guy having an epileptic fit a few months ago, couldn't tell whether he was having a stroke or something, and finding out from my friend who lived near the shelters that they were doing good was a relief to know there was help that was already established and set up.

  • pyramid on 14/06/2014 - 00:15
    +1
    Suggested 300 Blankets

    http://www.300blankets.com.au

    They are into donating blankets to homeless.

  • sparkles on 14/06/2014 - 00:33

    I found this:
    http://www.sbg.org.au/
    They are needing money for a fridge/freezer for homeless support accommodation and appear to be Deductible Gift Recipient Status. Will keep looking for more ideas when I have some more time.

  • Tnetennba on 14/06/2014 - 00:57
    +8
    Suggested Alzheimer's Australia

    http://www.alzheimers.org.au

    I think it's one of the most terrifying diseases to come across, and sadly many people will end up getting it :( It is heartbreaking to see people lose their ability to live any kind of normal life just because their brain doesn't want to work.

    Evidently it is possible that a cure may be found, and it'd be good to know we wouldn't have to live with this disease when we all grow old. Just my 2c, although maybe OzBargain is more interested in other charities (perhaps more relevant charities like swags for homeless, which is fair enough).

    I think maybe some other charities can directly affect disadvantaged people from a donation more, it really depends, I guess.

    • Dorka on 18/06/2014 - 11:05

      Couldn't agree more

  • coin saver on 14/06/2014 - 01:43
    +2

    scouts australia developing community service and charity within our youth for future generations. whilst also contributing to there own personnel development

  • neil on 14/06/2014 - 01:49
    +1
    Suggested Fitzroy Legal Service

    So for the past couple of years, its been a struggle to find local charities who directly affect my community. This year I discovered the work Fitzroy Legal has done to assist many in the community especially the vulnerable.

    Fitzroy Legal Service advocates for access to justice for marginalized and disadvantaged people. Since 1975 the Fitzroy Legal Service has provided the local community with free legal advice and representation and education. The Fitzroy Legal Service in partnership with community organisations continues to develop innovative ways of providing access to justice through its many community legal education projects and programs.

    The crew over there are not afraid to go against anyone to improve/fight issues that involve those in the City of Yarra as well as the greater Victoria. They also do lots of events and reach out to those in the commission flats. I've personally experienced senior members of staff attending peoples homes at 9 at night to discuss legal issues (free). FLS along with numerous other services in Australia will be affected by the Federal Budget.

    Link

    • Outrageous fortune on 15/06/2014 - 13:46
      +1

      Similarly to Aboriginal Medial Services there are Community Legal Services around Australia. Located in local communities they are run largely by volunteers or in case of AMS provide employment / capacity building to disenfranchised / students etc. and culturally relevant medical services. As OB members are from around Australia perhaps donating to the peak body representing them would be more effective. From memory Federation of Community Legal Services - Advocates for more funding & is very underfunded. For AMS it's National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation but direct funding probably better for AMS

  • neil on 14/06/2014 - 02:09
    +4

    I know myself and others have made this suggestion before but would love to have a charity arm of OzBargain like Google does. None of this donate to big charity and close the book. We set simple projects suggested by community, cost them out transparently (and cheaply of course) and action tasks.

    I know there are members who are struggling on a disability pension. There are others who fly overseas to places needing aid where we can possibly donate a care package. Or donating to Zgeek's legal fund which is a community site that is being sued for defamation. I'm sure others have ideas. Democracy in action.

    • scotty on 14/06/2014 - 07:22
      +6

      That means creating another legal/accounting entity, being able to spend time working through all the requirement, etc. Right now I rather pay someone else to do it, i.e. donating to charities instead.

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 14/06/2014 - 05:07
    +8

    I suggest the RSPCA, or to make a real difference, giving it all to a single facility that helps down-on-their-luck animals, such as the Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne, or a similarly well-established/respectable animal shelter in a different state. Might I politely request that if you decide to add an animal welfare charity to the list, that only one is added? That way, the tragic situation whereby the vote was split between a few with the result that none of them won, would be avoided.

    My little rant: The Lort Smith's website states that '…every year at Lort Smith's shelter 1,032 animals are rehomed, 95 animals are boarded in crisis and 1,213 animals are fostered.'
    So they help out over 2,300 animals every year, which seems like a very worthy cause to donate the 12K to I reckon. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but I've heard much about them from friends, all of it good.

    • BiotBargin on 14/06/2014 - 15:31

      i agree with the RSPCA also. not just for the animals who are down on there luck but also to stop the cruelty being waged against animals like puppy farming. also educating potential animal owners on pets because to many people treat them like disposable toys which leads to these animals ending up on death row - and what people dont see is how it affects the vets who spend there days continually putting down animals, because the statistics are hideous - they become vets to help animals and for there love of animals, not to continually kill them.

    • sparkles on 14/06/2014 - 16:57

      I'd give the RSPCA or Lort Smith a vote, except it isn't a poll option.

      • scotty on 14/06/2014 - 17:15
        +1

        Someone has to put into suggestion (in top level comment).

    • neil on 15/06/2014 - 18:16

      Lort Smith is great. Got my cat from there.

      He is a big OzBargain fan

      • donga100 on 15/06/2014 - 18:25

        Wow, you even dyed his hair in OzBargain theme colours!

  • altomic on 14/06/2014 - 09:36
    +2
    Suggested Be Uplifted

    Be Uplifted is a small group that assists women in Brisbane who are living with Cancer. Run on the smell of an oily rag, they operate from a spare room in a guide hall. Founded by 2 women who had personnel experiences with cancer. They have been working for 5 years and provide invaluable support to other women.

    • scotty on 14/06/2014 - 09:50

      Facebook Page
      Website — down at the moment. New one coming soon.

      • altomic on 14/06/2014 - 15:16

        Thanks Scotty, I've worked with this group and have been assisted by them and understand and have experienced the invaluable work which they do. My vote is with them.

        Admittedly, there are so many worth while groups out there.

  • unity1 on 14/06/2014 - 11:07
    +5

    I'd support any nationwide charity so the benefit is spread, just like our ozbargain community is spread nationwide.

  • donga100 on 14/06/2014 - 14:45
    +1
    Suggested No Interest Loans Scheme

    No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provides low-income earners with loans of up to $800 to purchase new essential household equipment (e.g.. washing machine, fridge) and health-care equipment (e.g.. glucometer). NILS helps to break the cycle of poverty experienced when equipment breaks down and loans carrying exorbitant interest rates are sought to purchase this equipment.

    There seems to be separate NILS for each state so maybe we could split the donations evenly or just focus on one particular state this year?

    Not sure if this link is the best way to donate but it's a start: http://www.givenow.com.au/winmalee1

    • donga100 on 14/06/2014 - 15:10

      By the way, they don't just give out the loans as cash. They issue cheques made out to the retailers such as Harvey Norman, Good Guys, Retravision, etc.

      If we don't donate any money perhaps we could at least introduce them to the Find Me A Bargain forum so they don't take on any more debt than necessary?

      • wittyusername on 16/06/2014 - 09:43

        I spent a month house sitting for a friend who used an esky as a fridge. She wasn't particularly poor, but at the time didn't have the cash to buy a fridge, or a washing machine.
        It's incredibly awkward and annoying not being able to buy food in greater quantities than one or two servings, and having to trips to the shops every other day.
        The NILS seems like a great idea!

  • christopher8827 on 14/06/2014 - 15:36
    +3
    Suggested St Vincent de Paul

    Voting for the Vinnies's Winter Appeal!

    Why Vinnies?

    • It's winter.
    • The homeless will need our support & be provided meals.
    • Poor families are struggling to pay for groceries.
    • Offer support for lonely & people with mental illness.
    • Emergency accommodation for women and kids.

    https://www.vinnies.org.au/dosomething

  • Medrad on 14/06/2014 - 18:45
    +1

    I am finding this a tough one. I agree with the Lort Smith Animal Hospital, but then that's Melbourne-centric, not national.

    I would love to see a national scheme donated to, but the Salvos isn't my pick based on the whole administrative costs they seem to need.

    Cancer charities are awesome (and working in the cancer treatment field) and many people need access to support networks. I don't think the Cancer Council are the prime group here since any money would go towards research and their own publicity costs primarily. I think the Brisbane women's group seems like a good move, but what would the women involved use the money for? Catering for meetings for a few weeks/months?

    I'm liking the homeless swag idea, or the blanket issue because as mentioned before, even with relief centres and emergency housing, a lot of homeless have issues that keep them on the street and not under a roof.

    Alzheimer's is a definite donateable cause but is there a group that is a support network rather than just the research side of things?

    I know it's not helping, but working in public health in the cancer field, I view charitable donations rather differently, and sometimes rather cynically. Wherever the money goes I'm happy, but I love the supporting charities more than the research. Animals are also a definite soft spot with me.

    • abc on 16/06/2014 - 11:13

      Salvos isn't my pick based on the whole administrative costs they seem to need.

      Admin costs for running their church.

  • Medrad on 14/06/2014 - 18:46
    +1
    Suggested Lort Smith Animal Hospital

    I will suggest the Lort Smith Animal Hospital or other such national animal hospital if presented.

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 14/06/2014 - 18:54

    Can someone with the power to do so (a 'beta user'?) please add the rspca OR the Lort Smith Animal Hospital to the poll? There is support for it in these comments, but no one can add it it seems.

  • sm007h on 14/06/2014 - 20:03
    +3
    Suggested Westmead Children's Hospital

    Can I suggest Westmead Children's Hospital? The funds go directly to the hospital with no administration costs.

    • Tnetennba on 15/06/2014 - 23:28

      I've changed my vote to this (even though I suggested something else). Didn't even think of it, but I spent a lot of time there as a wee lad (travelling from Canberra) and it's certainly a great hospital!

  • marka on 14/06/2014 - 20:09

    Posting here to get the topic noticed as a "Hot Discussion".

    Voted for Vinnies. I see their work promote self-sufficiency through the low-income support program (a big one for a budget-crippling-centered donation), shelters for the homeless, tutoring for struggling kids. I do hope that happiness is returned to them ten-fold and hopefully that can spread a bit to others who are in the same position when they're doing at least OK.

  • yk300 on 14/06/2014 - 21:38

    well done OzBargain!!

  • michael991 on 14/06/2014 - 22:44
    +4
    Suggested Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)

    Médecins Sans Frontières(Doctors Without Borders)

  • No on 14/06/2014 - 23:33
    +2
    Suggested The Royal Flying Doctors

    Please consider the Royal Flying Doctors. Us city folk can count on the ambo's when we are in trouble however the people who provide all our food and a lot of our wealth aren't so lucky.

  • fryandlaurie on 15/06/2014 - 00:01
    +3
    Suggested Red Cross Australia

    Red Cross is a very effective charity that has proven to get help to the people that need it. They have a very good record on keeping their admin ratio low (almost 90% is spend on blood+domestic+international programs).

    Read: http://www.redcross.org.au/files/Financials_2013.pdf

    Now if we chose this charity we'll have to decide which cause to give it towards. There are some domestic campaigns and international ones too such as the Red Crescent Syria refugee campaign.

    Thanks to all the staff working towards this donation. Keep all the suggestions coming folks!

    edit: remember, it's easy to calculate if admin costs are too high. Just check the annual financial reports (all charities provide it) and see the % of admin costs divided by the total expenditure. If it seems too high then it means the charity is probably not that efficient.

  • antzz on 15/06/2014 - 02:51
    -5

    I am voting supportTonyAbbotDestroyAustralia (joke)

  • dwuuuu on 15/06/2014 - 03:44

    $12,000 Foreign Aid to the people of Iraq and Syria

    • sk3iron on 15/06/2014 - 07:40
      -1

      I believe the point was that it would be a local charity. There are plenty of charities in need here on our own soil.

      • sk3iron on 15/06/2014 - 10:20

        I knew someone would neg me on this but the reality is that alot of people donate to foreign charities and forget we have so many charities in need here in Australia.

  • grumpyboots on 15/06/2014 - 04:08
    +2
    Suggested Fred Hollows Foundation

    Fred Hollows - because sight is such a previous gift

  • haseeb on 15/06/2014 - 10:53
    Suggested CO-ID (Co-Operation In Development Australia Inc.) led by Fred Hyde

    http://www.fredhyde.org/
    CO-ID Australia is a registered Australian charity, building and operating schools in the third world. Donations made in Australia are tax deductible.

  • tohara on 15/06/2014 - 11:43

    Prostate cancer - http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/

    breast cancer seems to get all the cancer donations these days

  • Outrageous fortune on 15/06/2014 - 13:33
    +1
    Suggested Victorian Aboriginal Medical Services

    Victorian Aboriginal Medical Service. Funding cuts up to 50 million

  • Iwantthatbargain on 15/06/2014 - 14:30
    +2

    The Salvation Army Australia, some of the commendable activities are: •Camps for underprivileged children,•Breakfast clubs, homework clubs, •Child Care centres,•Bereaved by Suicide support group for children who have lost someone

    • TightBum on 15/06/2014 - 15:57
      +1

      Salvos are pro-life, discriminate against the LGBT community and shove their religious agenda down your throat… theres so many other better charities out there. Unless you're for inequality, please donate else where.

      • christopher8827 on 15/06/2014 - 22:27
        -2

        Inequality my ass. The LBGT groups such as GLADD has been persecuting and suing Christians' and their business and people, for opposing same-sex activists who hide behind flowery words of 'equality' and 'tolerance'. I think LBGT groups shove more their propaganda down people's throats that you think (there are even groups that want to insert their agenda into our national curriculum)- even when the majority in nations oppose their lifestyle.

        http://youtu.be/Hkstr8Co8MI

        • TightBum on 17/06/2014 - 17:21
          +1

          I never mentioned donating to GLADD, I just think it's better for us to donate to an entity that helps ALL in need not just the ones that have the same vision, opinion and way of life as you or me.

          It's important for everyone to know what they're supporting when you donate to these entity whether it's GLADD or Salvation Army.

          If you're ok with donating to a place who refuse to allow people into their support system because their partner has the same genitalia and supports the notion of women not having the ability to choose what they do with their own body then go ahead.

          But of course why would you worry about inequality, you're not gay or a women. :)

  • Iwantthatbargain on 15/06/2014 - 14:31

    Red Cross is also an option

  • ChaseTheSun on 15/06/2014 - 17:58
    +1
    Suggested Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

    Prostate cancer for me!

  • sparkles on 15/06/2014 - 18:40
    Suggested RSPCA

    RSPCA - an option for an animal welfare charity that is Australia wide.

  • spychiatrist on 15/06/2014 - 19:38
    +1

    Article on how donations are spent and reps of the 15 charities:
    http://www.smh.com.au/national/revealed-the-high-cost-of-bei…

  • ozshark on 15/06/2014 - 21:04
    +1

    +1 for Red Cross. I'd also like to see World Vision/Compassion etc on the list. Studies have shown that supporting children is one of the most effective ways to end poverty.

  • Nirraic on 15/06/2014 - 21:39
    +1
    Suggested Pedal Against Poverty

    Pedal Aginst Poverty
    http://www.pedalagainstpoverty.com/

    They raise money for global aid in cambodia, tanzania and India including education, building wells and resucing girls from sexual slavery. And have recenly partnered with Baptist World Aid(https://www.baptistworldaid.org.au/)

  • brawndo on 16/06/2014 - 01:36

    I've raised this one in the past, and while not a direct charity, I think some of this should go towards the development budget for ozbargain to automatically replace all www.amazon.com links with smile.amazon.com

    As far as I'm aware, affiliate links are not affected:-

    https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/help/t61

    Ozbargain reaches a huge audience and no doubt a lot of traffic reaches Amazon in one way or another. We should be going through the smile program for all amazon deals.

    • scotty on 16/06/2014 - 07:59
      +3

      Yes we will definitely look at this however Amazon Smile would not apply in this particular poll.

      • brawndo on 16/06/2014 - 09:35

        Glad to hear - Thanks Scotty.

  • bluedufflecoat on 16/06/2014 - 08:49

    Can we get three votes, instead of 1, if the donations are going to 3 charities?

    • scotty on 16/06/2014 - 14:20

      Sorry. Multiple-choice / ordered-preference in polls are now currently "too complex to implement". We'll stick with one vote per person.

  • LMN on 16/06/2014 - 10:26
    +2
    Suggested WIRES (The NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc)

    http://www.wires.org.au/
    Wires (The NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc) is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia.

  • haseeb on 16/06/2014 - 10:42
    +1

    Bangladesh. 150 million people in a country two-thirds the size of the State of Victoria in Australia. Everyday life is a constant struggle, and the basic skills that we take for granted such as learning to read and write are for the fortunate ones - not for everyone.

    For 25 years CO-ID (Co-Operation In Development Australia Inc.) led by Fred Hyde, has been quietly building schools in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh, on Bhola Island in the Ganges Delta. To date, there are 41 schools and it costs AUD8000 to run each school per annum. Unlike some charities, CO-ID runs an extremely lean administrative structure. No fancy offices, long lunches or business perks. Almost 98% of the donation reaches the right people – the children. In Australia, they are staffed entirely by charity volunteers who are happy to give their time and professional expertise to expand education to kids who need it. In Bangladesh, they employ only local people at local wages to teach the children.

    To date, CO-ID has helped to educate more than 60,000 children in 41 local schools. CO-ID (Co-Operation In Development) is a very humble little charity and reflects the down-to-earth nature of Fred Hyde who has been awarded Order of Australia for his contribution in Bangladesh. Today, Fred and his volunteer team have seen the evolution of a remarkable charity concept grow into an exciting education and training network unlike any other in the region.
    This achievement is even more amazing when you consider that at 93 years young, Fred still spends 4 months of the year on the ground in Bangladesh running CO-ID. He has been paying his own airfares to Bangladesh as well as other living expenses for the last 25 years.

    By helping to build the educational system and encourage the acceptance of basic primary education, they are creating a brighter future, using Bangladesh’s greatest resource - the children.

    For more information please visit http://www.fredhyde.org/

    • scotty on 16/06/2014 - 14:19

      CO-ID led by Fred Hype has already been suggested before which you can vote here.

    • porkupine888 on 16/06/2014 - 15:33

      throwing a spanner in here- shouldn't be education be towards population control / sex education - if you can't afford to bring up your kids / children , why have them / why have so many and then expect the problem to disappear because other countries will help you?

      i'm not from a developed nation originally and what i can however say is that i blame the govt entirely for ALLOWING the people to have 16 kids without worry or care - although it can be debated on the side of fairness or freedom of birth - but if all they are doing is having children every year without worrying or caring for their future- are they even considered RESPONSIBLE children bearers?

  • Tarnsie on 16/06/2014 - 11:07

    Im not sure if this has been mentioned in this thread, but is there a list or table of charities which states the % of funds the charity actually recieves? Im aware that some charities only get 5-10% of funds collected by door knockers.

  • whattarip on 16/06/2014 - 11:41
    Suggested Camp Quality

    http://www.campquality.org.au/public/home.aspx

  • suicine94 on 16/06/2014 - 13:30

    i can't see the vote button. i was to vote RSPCA cos animals need most help since they live in a human society and can't live without assistance. i.e. they can't get jobs or buy house and theres even a different set of laws that apply to them, they dont have the same rights as humans. when animals on the street they can't do anything and NEED a human to help.

    • scotty on 16/06/2014 - 14:15

      RSPCA has already been suggested which you can vote here.

  • sha81 on 16/06/2014 - 14:44
    Suggested Assist A Sista

    http://assistasista.com.au/
    I would like to suggest Assist A Sista.
    They do fantastic work for the victims of domestic violence.

  • megadeth on 16/06/2014 - 15:26
    +1

    I suggest "Light for Life"
    http://lightforlife.org.au/

    This charity lights up the lives of people in need whose world has been darkened due to the loss of their loved ones due to the devastating impact of violence and terrorism.

  • Cyb3rGlitch on 16/06/2014 - 16:16
    -1
    Suggested Foundation Beyond Belief

    I suggest Foundation Beyond Belief. They're a new secular charity that joins Atheists and progressive religious groups (non proselyting ones!) together to help with various causes. More info here: http://au.foundationbeyondbelief.org/

  • StreetNumber on 16/06/2014 - 17:38
    +1
    Suggested Miriam High Special Needs Centre

    The Miriam High Special Needs Centre- a centre that provides respite and integration programs for children 0-6 who have a disability ad/or developmental delay.

    http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=836

  • shaiguy on 16/06/2014 - 18:07
    +1

    Hope for Cambodian Children Foundation Inc. (HOPE) is an Australian non-government, not-for-profit organisation with taxation deductibility status (DGR) and is Cambodian Government accredited. HOPE aims to give a future to children whose lives have been affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Cambodia, and seeks to provide support, healthcare and education to children and families. Many of the non-government agencies operating in Cambodia test children for HIV as part of the admission criteria. If the children are found to be positive, they are not accepted. HOPE centre positively discriminates in favour of children and families affected by the HIV virus. The people who operate this are wonderful and generally volunteers meaning most funds go directly to the cause.
    https://www.hopeforcambodianchildren.org/

  • dtroy on 16/06/2014 - 20:01
    +1
    Suggested Protect This Bear

    www.protectthisbear.org.au
    If you haven't seen the TV ads, these poor bears are being abused in some Asian countries.
    The bear bile is extracted in various cruel methods and they are kept in captivity in tiny cages.
    Please help!

    • sparkles on 18/06/2014 - 13:02

      Animals Asia does the same thing too.

  • Savvymum on 16/06/2014 - 20:31

    Thanks for the camp quality suggestion - it got my vote as I know just what kind of magical difference it can make in the life of a child living with a terminal illness

  • Peacekeeper on 16/06/2014 - 20:35
    +2

    Here is a list of Australia most reputable charities
    http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2013/12/australia%E2…

    Percentage of donation going into fundraising
    http://www.theage.com.au/national/charities-fundraising-cost…

    • Pyrock on 17/06/2014 - 15:33

      this made me change my vote.
      Thanks :)

  • nicbaz on 16/06/2014 - 21:06
    Suggested Community Living & Respite Services (Disability Support Organisation)

    CLRS is a disability support organisation that do a lot of good work in the northern victoria region.
    http://www.clrs.org.au/

  • jbronko on 16/06/2014 - 21:20
    Suggested The Human Fund

    The Human Fund - Money for people

  • young_dazza on 16/06/2014 - 21:44

    http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/

    Mission Australia does a LOT for Australia's homeless. They not only provide food and temporary accommodation for homeless people, but they run heaps of programs to get people back on their feet. They help 300,000 people each year. Thats no mean feat! They are definitely worthy of an ozbargain donation.

  • Embaloo on 16/06/2014 - 22:57
    -1
    Suggested The Salvation Army

    I reckon the salvos. Particularly for their work with the homeless, meals, shelters etc in Sydney. Particularly on my heart this winter whilst I snuggle with my heater and oz bargain-hunted thermals.

    I posted above but then saw you can add the suggestion!

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 16/06/2014 - 23:22
    +1

    All Lort Smith voters, please see my original post in this thread. As I mentioned therein, it would be tragic if two animal-based charities split the animal-lover vote such that neither charity ended up with anything, because neither ranked in the top three.
    In view of that, please consider logging-in on the last day of voting, and changing your vote from the LS to the RSPCA, if it seems pretty certain at that point that the LS is not going to make the top three but the RSPCA might…
    Thank you.

    • Incrediho on 17/06/2014 - 19:07

      +1 Completely agree.

      RSPCA always ranks highly in these, but never quite makes it over the threshold for funding. It would be great to see animals, the most helpless of victims, recieve some much needed consideration and support.

      • scotty on 17/06/2014 - 21:26
        +1

        We did donate to RSPCA back in 2012 — again, it was community's choice.

        • Incrediho on 18/06/2014 - 22:35

          Ah my bad, you're completely right of course scotty. I'd still like to see more funds directed towards animal welfare organisations, but I respect the OzB community choice.

  • kaimono on 17/06/2014 - 07:53

    Hello OzBargainers!

    I'd like to suggest supporing the great work that these 2 non-profit organisations do on the ground to support the youth:

    • Oasis Youth Support Centre
    • Reach

    Thanks!

  • nylorac on 17/06/2014 - 10:51
    -1
    Suggested Father Bob Maguire Foundation

    My suggestion is The Father Bob Maguire Foundation.

    Thanks!

  • BattleAxeHD on 17/06/2014 - 14:15
    Suggested Aaliyah's Journey

    I would like to suggest Aaliyah's Journey

    Taken from the About/info page

    Aaliyah was born with a condition known as Microtia/Atretia. Basically, she has a 'lucky' ear and will need reconstructive surgery to allow her lead a 'normal' life. The surgery will allow her to hear accurately, and go on to have a full functioning right ear.

    Unfortunately this surgery is currently only available at the California Ear Institute, Palo Alto, America. It also comes with a hefty price tag (currently $65000 + expenses). The operation is quite lengthy (10 + hours) and has a recovery period of 4-6 weeks.

    This page has been set up to raise awareness as well as much needed funds.

    Aaliyah is now 4 years old, the surgeons ideal time to perform the operation is between the ages of 3 and 5. This allows enough time for the ear to heal and for optimal hearing to be achieved.

    Aaliyah's journey does not start when she has the operation, it started the day she was born. She regularly attends ENT, Paediatric and Audiology appointments. She also has Auditory-Verbal therapy lessons and assessment to track her development and ensure that she is not behind in speech and language. She also wears and bone conductor hearing aid, held on by a head band. This allows the afftected ear to be stimulated and provide limited hearing to that ear. This is a temporary solution until the operation can take place.

    More information on Microtia can be found at www.microtiaaustralia.org.au and more information on Aaliyah's journey can be found at www.aaliyahslifejourney.blogspot.com. This is her official website and is regularly updated.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this and we look forward to keeping you up to date on this journey.

    Aaliyah’s Journey is registered under the ‘Aaliyah Perdomo Necessitous Circumstances Fund’ with The Christian Community Care Network INC., which are both Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), ABN: 62 257 664 630.

  • suicine94 on 17/06/2014 - 15:20
    -2

    ok they just passed the law to increase the tax of the wealthy by 2% to 47%. now since the federal budget affects all australians and the wealthy tax ONLY affects the wealthy so the wealthy is most affected by the budget.

    since the goal of this years donation is "For this year we also want to donate to those who might have been affected by the Federal Budget the most" then shouldnt it be wealthy people? so what are some wealthy charities?

    • donga100 on 17/06/2014 - 16:03
      +1

      Just send a bottle of Penfolds directly to Joe Hockey.

      • sparkles on 18/06/2014 - 11:41

        I heard he'd prefer cigars. The most expensive ones possible. You know, considering he's not paying and all. Tony Abbott would prefer a "scholarship" fund (and perhaps a new brain) for his daughter.

  • Clever Girl on 17/06/2014 - 20:57
    +1
    Suggested HammondCare Health and Hospitals

    i would like to suggest Braeside Hospital, part of HammondCare Health and Hospitals. This hospital is located in Fairfield LGA providing rehabilitation, palliative care and specialist mental health services for older people. This hospital is owned by HammondCare, funded partly by the NSW Ministry of Health. It is an Independent Christian Charity which appreciates community donations for funding of much needed equipment and services. The most recent project is to build a cook fresh kitchen onsite as currently the food is cooked off site, chilled, transported to Fairfield Hospital next door (kept chilled), heated, plated, transported to Braeside, heated again before serving to patients. A cooked fresh kitchen will provide much better quality of food for patients in their final days, patients who need nutrition to get better to go home and families who would really like to see their love ones enjoy their meals. Thank you for your consideration.

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