Support for charities is welcome so long as our trust is respected

Given the increased poverty on our streets and in homes it is heartening to see widespread support in Cork for an array of charities.

It is to be congratulated in these difficult days that so many Cork people are generous with their time and their money, sharing emotional and practical resources to alleviate conditions for fellow-citizens who have fallen on hard times.

Giving is an investment of trust and so it is the responsibility of charities to be vigilant and transparent in conducting their business. Failure to do so would only add to the cynicism that lessens any desire to think of anyone except ourselves.

All charities, and people involved in them, should ensure that they have proper rules of governance in place, with public AGMs, elective procedures for officers, independent auditing procedures, the issuing of receipts for donations, clear and accurate minute-taking and accounting, and the like. That probably all seems obvious, but the obvious can often be overlooked in the face of enthusiasm to meet the real needs of people who rely on their fellow human to help them through.

Richard S Harrison

An tSr Rómhánach

Corcaigh