OzBargain 2014 Christmas Charity Donations - $14,580 to Charities of Your Choice

scotty on 09/12/2014 - 22:54
Last edited 18/12/2014 - 07:34 by 1 other user

UPDATE 18 Dec: The poll has finished and the top 4 charities for this Christmas are:

  • Doctors without Borders
  • RSPCA
  • Beyond Blue
  • Cancer Council Australia

They will be receiving $3,645 of donation each. Thanks to everyone who participated.

UPDATE 14 Dec: Please vote on the charities now we have all the suggestions. There are 258 unique commenters at this point thus OzBargain will donate $12,000 + $10 x 258 = $14,580 this Christmas. The top 4 voted charities will receive $3,645 of donation.

It's December and OzBargain has planned to donate at least $12,000 to the charities this Christmas. We have already made more than $50,000 contributions to various charity organisations in Australia over the last 3 years, and for this year the plan is a little bit different. We will be taking suggestions from the commenters again, similar to our last EoFY donation. However to be fair to each of the charities suggested, votes will not be allowed until I have got a full list of suggestions. So basically it would be in two stages — first I am getting the suggestions from the commenters, and then I'll reset votes on all the poll options so all of them would start out equal.

Moreover, like last year's Christmas donations, we will be donating $12,000 + $10 x number of unique commenters in this thread until this Saturday night. So for example if 300 user accounts commented in this post, we will then donate $12,000 + $10 x 300 = $15,000 to the charities.

We will pick the top 4 charities based on number of votes, and then equally distribute the total amount to those charity groups.

Timeline

The timeline would go like this:

  • 9 Dec — start taking suggestions
  • 13 Dec 11:59PM — suggestions closed, votes reset to 0 and let the voting start! Also count the number of unique commenters so far and update the total donation amount.
  • 17 Dec 11:59PM — voting closed. Top 4 charity groups chosen, which we will be donating to.
  • 18-24 Dec — OzBargain will donate to those charities picked

Now let the suggestion come in! If you are commenting on this post directly (not replying someone's comment), you shall see "Suggestion" there above the comment box. Put your choice of charity there + some reasons why this charity is worth donating to for this Christmas, and I'll add your suggestions to the poll.

Since it's Christmas, please think about which charity organisation would be good to donate to.

Suggestion Guidelines

Just a reminder. If you are suggesting a charity

  • Make sure "Suggestion" field is filled when you are making a top-level comment, so your suggestion would be added to the poll. It would be in the approval queue and I'll approve them when I get a chance.

  • In your comments please also link to the website. Under Poll Options you can click on the time to go to linked comment where the suggestion was made in the first place. It would be useful for others to see what the charity is about and able to go to the website to check it out.

Terms and Conditions

There are some rules…

  • Creating multiple accounts is against our terms of use and might get your accounts banned.
  • Banned accounts, unpublished comments etc do not count towards the tally

Poll Options expired

Site Discussion

Comments

  • jqlilian on 13/12/2014 - 21:28

    This is awesome! Always great to give back :)

  • SmashedMango on 13/12/2014 - 21:41

    +$10

  • riley94 on 13/12/2014 - 22:29

    I love that Ozbargain does this. Thank you!

  • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2014 - 23:39
    +2

    Crime Victims Support Association http://www.cvsa.asn.au/
    Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) http://www.hvsgnsw.org.au/
    Victims of Crime Assistance League Inc NSW http://www.vocal.org.au/
    Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria http://www.dvrcv.org.au/
    Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assult http://www.casa.org.au/links/

  • scotty on 14/12/2014 - 00:09
    +5

    UPDATE: Please vote on the charities now we have all the suggestions. New suggestions will not be approved. I have also changed this list temporarily so that the order will stay alphabetically throughout the voting period, rather than sorted by the number of votes received.

    There are 258 unique commenters at this point thus OzBargain will donate $12,000 + $10 x 258 = $14,580 this Christmas. The top 4 voted charities will receive $3,645 of donation.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2014 - 01:16

      Thanks scotty. My suggestions didn't make the cut?

      • scotty on 15/12/2014 - 12:22

        Did you fill in the "Suggestion" field above the comment? Because I can't see your suggestion included in the approval list.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2014 - 17:50

          No, I didn't realise it was needed in that particular field

    • sparkles on 14/12/2014 - 10:45

      Awesome job scotty!

  • remote on 14/12/2014 - 00:12

    $10

  • thejew on 14/12/2014 - 01:08

    Bear cottage all the way.

    Read up on what it is if your tough enough

    • firedragon on 14/12/2014 - 08:55

      I don't know why you don't just tell people what it is. Bear Cottage - children's palliative care hospice.

  • ihbh on 14/12/2014 - 09:11

    My organization sponsors Youngcare, TAD Disability Services and Wheelchair Sports. A couple of ways we promote them is through the Budgie Bolt (I will try to muster up the courage to participate one year), City2Surf, tennis and rugby.

  • donga100 on 14/12/2014 - 10:01

    Glad to see Fred Hollows on here. For $25 they are able to restore sight to someone who would otherwise be blind for life, require a full time carer and not be able to get a job. It's crazy to think that you can make this much difference in a persons life for only $25.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2014 - 12:02

    I nominate Shelterbox

    who "provide emergency shelter and vital aid to stabilise, protect and support communities overwhelmed by disaster and humanitarian crisis.

    Sponsoring a box costs $1,000, including delivery direct to those who need it. Each box bears its own unique number so as a donor you can track your box all the way to its recipient country via the website.

    Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes on the ground, working closely with local organisations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide."

  • 0xadam on 14/12/2014 - 15:22

    This is pretty cool!

  • LittleMIssPanda on 14/12/2014 - 17:37

    amazing :)

  • BargainMe on 14/12/2014 - 18:51

    Every OzBargain member needs to make sure that they leave a comment!

  • JetBombat on 14/12/2014 - 19:56

    +Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary

  • banzini on 14/12/2014 - 20:11

    nice

  • mokorusmania on 14/12/2014 - 21:01

    Voted for bear cottage. It is unfortunate that some kids dont have much time left and bear cottage helps them making the most out of that short period of time.

  • Mg on 14/12/2014 - 22:39

    great idea :)

  • kcyw on 14/12/2014 - 22:59

    Thanks Scotty and Ozbargain!

  • jneufeld on 15/12/2014 - 00:26

    RSPCA has my vote

  • Peter L on 15/12/2014 - 02:10

    Well done to all OzBargainers!

  • Geewhizz on 15/12/2014 - 07:12

    Boosting the kitty by $10.

    Well done OzBargain. :)

  • luckytrio on 15/12/2014 - 07:21

    +1 rspca

  • cheap chips on 15/12/2014 - 08:06

    Thanks Scotty and OzBargain, this is lovely idea

  • Usagi on 15/12/2014 - 08:24

    Ozbargain = best community.

  • bluedufflecoat on 15/12/2014 - 09:30

    sorry, should have commented. Was trying to find a worthy charity to suggest.

  • dw121212 on 15/12/2014 - 09:50

    +1 MSF / Doctors without Borders

  • sash213 on 15/12/2014 - 09:56

    +1 MSF / Doctors without Borders

  • calkay on 15/12/2014 - 10:57

    +1 Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders

  • mitochondReon on 15/12/2014 - 11:00

    Thanks Scotty, I voted for Alzheimer's Australia and another $10 for this comment.

  • lolmao on 15/12/2014 - 11:35

    +1 MSF / Doctors without Borders

  • woer on 15/12/2014 - 11:55
    +1

    +1 Beyond Blue
    Gets my vote this year, due to a mate going through some tough times

  • Islund on 15/12/2014 - 13:44

    Miaow Miaow Miaow Miaow Miaow Miaow Miaow

    In Human that is - The RSPCA needs it more than most.

  • somethingguy on 15/12/2014 - 14:29

    +1 Beyond Blue

  • machej on 15/12/2014 - 14:42

    Good work Scotty!

  • Austin 316 on 15/12/2014 - 15:20
    +2

    No nominations, but kudos to Scotty for such great work. $12000 is a big big amount for charity. You have my utmost respect for this good karma :)

  • deepaksg on 15/12/2014 - 15:42

    Allowah cares for children and young people up to the age of 18 with physical and intellectual disabilities such as genetic or chromosomal disorders, birth trauma, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and diseases acquired after birth. Currently Allowah is supporting over 80 families mainly from New South Wales. Allowah is vital in supporting the children as well as their families, and is credited with keeping families together that otherwise would fracture because of the incredible strain placed on them.

  • abh_gup on 15/12/2014 - 15:44

    Vote Lifeline (not currently in voting list above. It is a volunteer based crisis support group, helping people in critical depression, suicidal motives, emotionally unstable, etc. Something like BeyondBlue.
    https://www.lifeline.org.au/
    131114

  • shiningstars on 15/12/2014 - 21:02

    Vote ASRC!!!

  • khelddar on 15/12/2014 - 21:19

    Voted :)

  • calypso on 15/12/2014 - 21:39
    +1

    Voted Fred Hollows Foundation!

  • incarnate on 15/12/2014 - 22:07

    Voted, thanks OzB!!

  • fryandlaurie on 15/12/2014 - 22:48

    Well done OzB, Scotty, mods and all the wonderful users. Have a happy Christmas everyone.

  • chiuy on 16/12/2014 - 02:16

    GG OZB

  • Lucky13 on 16/12/2014 - 03:29

    What a lovely thing to do for Christmas Scotty. Things like this make it a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful community/website :)

  • Adz81 on 16/12/2014 - 06:31

    Nicely done, OzB… Nicely done.

  • TheOneWhoKnocks on 16/12/2014 - 07:32

    Such a great incentive to donate to these wonderful causes. Merry Christmas to the OzBargain community.

  • mcrayray on 16/12/2014 - 07:41

    A vote for Cancer Council.

    Thumbs Up OzBargain

  • Car-la-la on 16/12/2014 - 11:45

    I voted for Alzheimer's Australia and another $10 for this comment.

  • bargainhunter8888 on 16/12/2014 - 11:53

    Thanks Ozbargain

  • SmiTTy on 16/12/2014 - 13:59

    great work scotty… thanks ozb :)

  • chibbingus on 16/12/2014 - 14:13

    I voted for Bravehearts - props to everyone who has voted and to OzB for such a fantastic initiative!

  • chonghe on 16/12/2014 - 15:05

    Doctors Without Borders
    Admire the work they do

  • Reggie74 on 16/12/2014 - 15:28

    I voted for Street Swags for the homeless because a gift (albeit essential) at this time of the year means that little bit more for those who are in need. Well done OzBargain.

  • Hirolol on 16/12/2014 - 16:06

    hard to decide, they are all for such a good cause.

  • gimli on 16/12/2014 - 16:12

    Let's try get a tie for fourth place

  • MasterNoob on 16/12/2014 - 18:02
    -5

    Please contribute to this charity:

    Masternoob's New iPad

    Now collecting donations.

  • eliminist on 16/12/2014 - 18:27

    Another ten dollars to the pot

  • Coops1 on 16/12/2014 - 19:00

    +1 MSF / Doctors without Borders

  • Juststingy on 16/12/2014 - 19:19

    Here's another $10. Voted :)

    • chonghe on 16/12/2014 - 19:56
      +1

      The $10 only until last Saturday.
      Now is only the voting period

  • Carydadon on 16/12/2014 - 21:11

    Went Alzehmiers… Coming in 5th at the moment, and giving Cancer Council (4th) a good run

  • DocZeus on 16/12/2014 - 22:33

    Great generosity OzB! A reminder of the generous gift to humanity that Christmas is actually all about!

  • Mysterious on 17/12/2014 - 05:02

    I forgot to comment, at least I'll be able to vote. So far I'm with 300 Blankets.

  • Tcm9669 on 17/12/2014 - 07:46

    Voted and commented :)

  • whiteflame on 17/12/2014 - 10:37

    +1 Doctors Without Borders

  • mero mero on 17/12/2014 - 10:39

    Thanks ozbargain! Logged in just for this :)

  • ChronoSphinx on 17/12/2014 - 16:43

    I voted for cancer council. This is a great gesture Ozb.

  • Zoidian on 17/12/2014 - 18:27

    Nice

  • dins on 17/12/2014 - 19:11

    Count me in :)

  • dins on 17/12/2014 - 19:12

    Btw top stuff hats off!

  • teehee on 18/12/2014 - 02:42

    Good work!

  • scotty on 18/12/2014 - 07:33
    +12

    The poll has finished and the top 4 charities for this Christmas are:

    • Doctors without Borders
    • RSPCA
    • Beyond Blue
    • Cancer Council Australia

    They will be receiving $3,645 of donation each. I'll get that sorted out before Christmas. Thanks everyone who participated.

  • IvankaRohann on 18/12/2014 - 10:42

    My vote would be for DABS, which is a local Sydney pet rescue charity similar to Hope for Paws and Animal Aid.

    http://www.dabs.org.au/

  • IvankaRohann on 18/12/2014 - 10:46

    If I have to pick one of the 4 however, I vote for Doctors Without Borders. The RSPCA has gotten too political and money driven.

  • scotty on 24/12/2014 - 15:05
    +2

    All the donation done. As with RSPCA, you seem to be only able to donate to state branches so we donated to RSCPA in Western Australia as it was suggested by Glider who is from WA. One cringe-worthy moment is on RSCPA WA's donation page, under "Donation Amount", it listed:

    • $4000. Pays the legal costs for one day to prosecute a cruelty case
    • $200. Sterilises a large dog
    • $75. Vaccinates two animals
      …

    I am hoping the fund goes to sterilisation and vaccination, rather than paying for the lawyers :P

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 28/12/2014 - 23:05
      -2

      Re

      "One cringe-worthy moment…" (etc.)

      'Paying legal costs' does not actually refer to 'paying lawyers', as you have supposedly rather simplistically interpreted (at least publicly) the statement to mean. I fully concede however, that this is very badly worded on the WA RSPCA web-page you cite; for the exact reason that those intending to donate may misinterpret it as a statement that $4k pays only for lawyers, for 1 day, to represent the WA RSPCA.

      Besides the fact that many RSPCA cases are taken on by lawyers "probono", a day of 'legal costs' includes all the associated costs of prosecuting a case, per day in court; i.e. the court fees, the costs of gathering evidence prior to that day, etc. Implying that it refers solely to $4k per-day in lawyers' fees is 100% incorrect, and will only function to deter future donations to a very worthy charity.

      Lastly, I think it's important to remember that there needs to be at least some successfully previously prosecuted cases of animal cruelty in any given society, where it may otherwise occur, to act as a legal deterrent for anyone considering causing cruelty to animals. This somewhat basic concept is entirely ignored re the preference espoused above that "…RSPCA funds be used for "sterilisation" and "vaccination."

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