Sometimes I wonder why people donate

Apologies for the rather fragmented entry earlier on today (or yesterday, since it's passed midnight now). That's what happens when you wake up at some unearthly hour and then put to screen what you've read previously. Debt relief is too huge a topic to be attempted by hazy minds at dawn.

Page six on the Straits Times today (yesterday), is an article on some of the findings of a national survey commissioned by the NVPC (National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre). Lower-income Singaporeans are reportedly more generous in their donations to religious organizations and charitable causes than their richer compatriots. Statement is made based on proportion of income donated.

I don't suspect that the findings of this 'landmark national survey' are going to create much buzz in the community. Any amount from a person earning peanuts would be likely to translate into a large percentage of the income anyway. I did not contribute a scholarship amount to the tsunami funds, but it sure is a substantial percentage of my financial possession.

Although certainly, there are those amongst us ordinary folks whose hearts are far bigger than some of the more recognized names in certain industries. People like 56-year-old Agnes Boo, a clothes seller, who earns $800 a month, and gives $1,000 to help the tsunami victims, on top of the 1900 calls she dialed in to the (circus/stunt) shows put up by the local glitterati, are worth more than our respect. For donating 125% of her monthly pay and then some: I salute her.