I thought hard before donating about a month's income to the DEC fund. I have investigated charities in the UK so have a reasonable grasp of how funds get diverted, and in most cases, knowing what I know, I would not donate, nevertheless, I went ahead and sent the funds. After all, if we with our connections in Phil do not help, why should we expect others to do so?

I had similar concerns in the Tsunami appeal in 2004. However I am a Hash House Harrier (sort of international running club) and eventually donated to an appeal run by a member who reported back over the following year or so, on how the money was spent. Thus I was pretty satisfied my funds did the good I had hoped for.

In this case, I really hope (but I will not hold my breath) that the International Powers who contributed, will take action to ensure all the funds help those who need it.