Financial Support
Updated!
Wildwood’s Financial Response
Through your generosity, Wildwood has raised over $6000 towards Haiti relief and through a decision by the session, Wildwood will match with $5000 to provide over $11,000 towards the relief and ministry efforts of World Vision.
World Vision has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has more than 800 staff on the ground. World Vision was equipped to begin an immediate response to this disaster and has rushed lifesaving supplies — including food, clean water, blankets, and shelter — to children and families devastated by the earthquake. World Vision’s commitment to Haiti will continue after the immediate disaster response, so our financial gift will also support our long-term efforts to rebuild lives and communities in Haiti. One reason Wildwood chose to support World Vision was because of matching gifts and grants, our gift will be multiplied 3 times in impact. So the $11,000 becomes over $33,000!
New Tax-deductible Information
It is our understanding that the U.S. Congress has passed a bill allowing individuals to claim donations made in 2010 to Haiti relief on their 2009 income tax filing. Please note that Wildwood Church will credit your contributions to Haiti relief on your 2010 records. If you would like to avail yourself of the 2009 filing, please contact Joyce in the Financial Office at the church (894-1400 ext. 235) and we will be happy to provide your 2010 year-to-date statement showing your 2010 contributions to the Haiti relief efforts.
With disaster events there is a massive outpouring of money. This is critical since so many of us, particularly in the west, have incredible access to personal wealth. Even those who feel on the lower rungs of the North American money ladder have far more access to money than the average Haitian who makes just over $500 a year. Large amounts are needed, and those who have it ought to give generously to those who don’t. However, as has happened in nearly every large scale disaster, not all organizations are equipped to handle the billions of dollars which need to flow through them and into Haiti. Do some research on the longevity, capacity and number of people an organization has on the ground. Organizations equipped to handle disasters the scale of this one, like World Vision or the Red Cross, have learned how to manage large flow of resources and have systems in place to be certain money flows quickly but carefully to the right places.
Allow the God of mercy and compassion who made you to be merciful and compassionate move through you to serve the country of Haiti at the right time and in the right way. Pray for and with Haitian people near you and those across the ocean. Thoughtfully research organizations on the ground in Haiti, and, once you’ve chosen, give with reckless abandon.
ECFA Provides List of Faithful Haiti Relief Groups
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability has compiled a list of organizations that are currently assisting or poised to assist in massive relief efforts in Haiti following the country’s devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake to help donors avoid scams. For a list and descriptions, click www.ecfa.org