In Reply to: I've struggled with this a bit too. posted by Hillary on Sunday, 1. February 2009 at 13:19 Bali Time:
what an interesting discussion.Well Trayden you asked if those who go to Bali and take donations and support various children and charities do so at home.Yes they do,well some do.We do and the one thing we are pedantic about is that the help given goes direct to where it is needed.This is the same both in Bali and here.Never give anything where they take out their expenses.
As for donations to op-shops--------having managed one for several years and been involved for 25 i now find that it is more a business than charity.Also if you leave goods outside shop they will likely be stolen.Ted males good points as he has been involved for years and has many stories.
We never do things for our own gratification it is just part of our philosophy to give back to society or maybe building up good karma.