In Reply to: Donations posted by gung_victa on Monday, 31. October 2005 at 14:19 Bali Time:
Be aware that a lot of donations do end up in the "night markets" for sale to local people.
Admired a top to be told she had purchased it at the Sindhu markets at the stall for "pre loved clothes". A lot of the ladies at the markets purchase their western clothes at this stall.
A friend complained at how the donated clothing had not been washed before being brought to Bali. "chocolate and coffee stains meant we had to wash them before selling them in the market". This was 4-5 yrs ago.
I did try to explain they were donated for people too poor to buy clothes. The answer is that a lot of clothing is unsuitable and it is better to sell the clothes at the markets to raise money for the local banjar.
Leave it up to you to make your own decision as to how much and what to bring and to whom to give to.
Yes - we have always taken castoff clothes in our cases - within our limit out of Australia and given to friends who either use them or send up to their village.
A lot of items are cheaper to purchase in Bali and have the advantage of helping local employment (even if the profits go to JKTA).
cheers
Juliette (off the soap box)