PLEASE DO NOT MOCK THE POOR
There are groups that go to Thailand few times a year. They inform Refugee families they are coming and visit few families and take lots of Photos. They post these photos on their website and often use the same photos year after year .Meanwhile they claim the person received money this year but they never met that person and she did not receive anything. Our Refugee families cannot say anything because they have no human rights and nobody cares. Let me tell you,one example .This is not just something that happens once in a while. It is very common. All our families have been through similar experiences.
A man comes to visit a refugee family. Then gives a Refugee family an envelope. On top of that Envelope, it says the amount they are giving. They take a Photo. The minute the Photo is taken, they turn to the Refugee family and say: Give half of that money to me. If,the donation amount to the family is about $ 50.00 and they take half of it – how much is left ??
They claim this amount pays refugee rent and food for the month. Which of course, it cannot. To help a Refugee family of 5 people / month – the costs is about $ 400 canadian per month , for both shelter and food. I personally, feel that when someone goes and gives donation to a Refugee Family and after photo taking – take half of the donation and puts it in their own pocket –that is mocking the poor.
I understand poverty can bring out the worst in many people. I understand people coming from poverty might become greedy and crooked and we seen that, too. They find ways to get little side businesses. I have Seen the same mindset in other poor countries, as well.
But still, no matter what the reasons are for these actions, I like to say:
PLEASE, DO NOT MOCK THE POOR !!
