Recent charity scandals make donors think twice before giving money
Multiple high-profile charity scandals shake donor confidence as holiday season approaches. From Captain Tomʼs foundation troubles to misused funds at major organizations donors need to be extra-careful
In this years holiday giving season donors face a tough choice due to recent charity-related issues. The British Red Cross recent break-up with Harrods (following assault claims against its former owner) shows how complex modern charitable giving has become
The Captain Tom Moore story highlights the dark side of charitable work. His amazing garden-walking fundraiser about 4 years ago brought in £38.9 million for NHS charities‚ but things went south after his passing. His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husbandʼs management of the foundation raised red flags: they built an un-authorized spa facility didnt share book-deal profits and made money from Captain Tom-branded products
The Barnabas Aid situation adds to growing concerns. Their ex-CEO spent thousands on personal items like Vegas trips and bikes — leaving the organization with a $15 million deficit. Meanwhile Rosie Millard left BBC Children in Need due to what she called an “institutional failure;“ the charity gave money to LGBT Youth Scotland which had serious past issues
- Charity Commission launched investigation
- Book deal profits werent shared
- Foundation trustees got banned
- Branded merchandise sales were misleading
The public would understandably feel misled given no donation has been made to the charity
Despite these issues the Charity Commission says British people dont rush to judge all charities based on one bad case. Still its important to check where donations go: the Telegraph Christmas Appeal supports well-known organizations like Alzheimers Research UK and Teenage Cancer Trust that help those in need
