Posts by Hilary Stace
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There's an iceberg in Oriental Bay today
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Perhaps another measure would be the volunteer hours v paid hours. I've been involved in one particular organisation for many years and most of the organisation is made up of volunteers who act as committee members, board members, help with activities etc. For many volunteers these can become significant commitments.
However, to be more effective - to organise activities, answer phones, provide that front line help etc - you really need paid staff. Most employees of charities are on minimum wages or not much more as these salaries have to be fundraised for, as well as the office space etc. So many organisations are employing professional fundraisers as a necessity in the crowded market.
But to get the shrinking charity money you need to promote your organisation (your brand). Kids Can spent a lot on marketing but it was very successful to the extent of getting a dedicated Telethon and nationwide name recognition. So in marketing terms it can be seen as a real success.
I would love to go back to a grants system whereby the government worked in partnership with trusted organisations to provide services. (The last govt's Pathways to Partnership program which gave funding to organisations to work together was the start of this - but the new Govt has cut it).
But until we do charities have to work in the competitive capitalist system.
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I'm not sure of the details but it sounds like Linda Bryder has relied on the official written record rather than interviewing people involved. The written record can miss much of the social context, for example, attitudes to women patients are more than the written account of the medical procedure. She was writing medical history not social history - and probably did a very good job of that.
I have been involved in several historical projects and you need a variety of methods to get anywhere near an understanding of what really happened and to produce social history - interviews, review of official publications, letters, articles etc. But there is never one definitive correct interpretation - just the way the view through the kaleidoscope looks that day. Depends where the researcher stands, what sources they choose to use, what their motivations are etc etc
What did come out of the Cartwright enquiry was our modern system of ethical approval requirements for any medical or health research which strongly emphasises informed consent and protection of participants - and that is surely a good thing.
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Craig, thanks for supporting hospices. I've had good experiences with hospices. Nothing wrong with having our specialist charities. I support anyone doing this stuff - so will usually always donate to any volunteers collecting on the street or selling raffle tickets - even vote in Dancing with the Stars. Just off to buy some school fundraising chocolate from a colleague. She bought my last fundraising booklet.
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Craig, I don't quite see why I have angered you so much. But I apologise if I have.
I do feel distinctly uneasy that fundraising like this can objectify poor children as objects of pity. And giving those like Michael Laws yet another chance to have ago at their parents as less than human. Because there is a strong theme in NZ at the moment that if people are poor it is their own fault.
But on the other hand I have had a long involvement in fundraising for various charities - all which involve children who are sick or disabled (Craig, ever stood on a cold footpath for hours trying to get the odd coins from the passersby?) There isn't enough money - or any money for some causes - from the public purse, so you have to get the attention of the public however you can - and if it takes guilt, so what.
So good on all those who gave their time or resources for Telethon.
However, being a recipient of this chairty can be a bit more uncomfortable. Many years ago when one of my children was recovering from a serious illness she got a trip to Queensland with one of those fundraising groups. It was great, but there was still an element of shame and guilt that I couldn't provide it for her. And I imagine some of the parents of kids who get Kids Can help, feel similar.
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Thanks for the Chaser clip, Rex. I had heard about it but not seen it. Very clever and boundary pushing, and I presume they had the kids in on it beforehand.
I write as a parent of a child who has been the recipient of such well-meaning benevolence. It's a strange conflict. You really want the child to get the benefit of what those nice people are fundraising for, but it is still charity and to get it you have to be both powerless and grateful. -
I've never liked telethons much but I don't mind the focus on the issue being fundraised for. The one raising money for disability in 1981? was quite a landmark in the growth of the disability rights movement, and provided vital resources.
I don't think there is any real difference between today's one and the ones in the past. They have always been a bit tacky and populist, but great if your get into the spirit of it all. Maybe some of the PAS readers are just 15 years more older and cynical than the last time. I am disappointed in the low total raised so far but is this because in our current beneficiary bashing resentment society poor kids are not seen as a worthy cause?
My son has taken a keen interest in it all and went down to the St James this morning to check it out, and give his money.
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Just don't let it be Paul Holmes, Paul Henry or Nigel Latta.
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I doubt that the true costs of their aim to cut our emissions will look good right in the middle of the deepest recession in modern history
As if we have some kind of choice here not to do anything.
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Great idea. I can just see Philip Patston MC-ing such an event. And many enthusiastic participants.