MADD's `exorbitant costs' anger charity's volunteers

Toronto Star ^ | December 9, 2006 | KEVIN DONOVAN

[Kaslin]

This is probably the same here

[SteveMcKing]

"saying the paid telemarketers and door-knockers are actually performing good works because they educate the public as they ask for cash."

When you call me or knock on my door, I had better already know you personally... or else you have just made a life-long enemy, and I shall commit myself to exactly the opposite of whatever the hell you wanted when you decided to bother me in my home.

[Bronzy]

Hey, one has to travel and eat. There are all of the award dinners and banquets, too. All these too good groups have to pat themselves on the back with donation funds.

[vpintheak]

A good idea gone bad, just like any other beaurocracy.

[CitizenUSA]

That's why you should always ask for a charity's financial reports before making large donations. Believe me. MADD isn't the only one who spends a large percent on overhead.

[GoldCountryRedneck]

The CEO would not reveal his salary or that of other staff....

I'd bet it's mind-boggling.

[NonValueAdded]

Look for the interlocking relationships with the fundraising companies. I absolutely refuse to donate to any charity that uses a professional fundraiser. IMHO any group that does not spend at least 80% of their budget towards program expense should lose their charity designation and be considered a subsidiary of the professional fundraising company. Then hit them with a RICO violation.

[Porterville]

I only give to the library.... late fees.

[CORedneck]

It is long overdue for MADD to disband ! For the past few years, they have been pushing for and supporting police state type of laws like primary seat-belt enforcement and police checkpoints reminiscent of Nazi Germany off the top of my head !

[timer]

This is why charities get so little in donations esp politicians, isn't your mailbox chock full of gimme, gimme, gimme? This sounds like Jimmy Baker or united way ripoffs, how many more will it take? The only real charity is person to person, no middle men, no judas, skimming off 80%.

[proud_yank]

leaving only about 19 cents of each donor dollar for charitable works.

Likely to be more efficient than the UN.

[VOA]

"The real money is in the non-profits!"

Can't remember where I heard this, but it does seem to be true sometimes.

[AntiGuv]

Since when is lobbying considered "charity"?

[GSlob]

"Hey, one has to travel and eat." - and to drink, too. If most of the administrative expenses happened, say, on 20year- old cognac "Prunier 20", with the food to match, it would cause me to smile.

[gridlock]

A good idea gone bad, just like any other beaurocracy.

MADD has been nothing but a fund-raising hook since the git-go. There really is very little work for them to do. They are a political pressure group that nobody opposes. It's not like they are opposed by Bachelors For Drunk Driving, or something. So why do they need all that money?

There are lots of charities out there that are just good fundraising hooks that exist only to service the mission of money making. A lot of AIDS charities are like that. Handgun Control, International is another that comes to mind.

[IronJack]

Drinkers Against Mad Mothers (DAMM) spends its money right where it says it's going to: at the bar buying pitchers.

[snoringbear]

Nothing surprising about this. A few mom's who had experienced personal tragedy at the hands of some drunk drivers created a worthy cause. Then, realizing what a sweet deal their cash-cow had become, became corrupted by the money. Same thing happened with Sarah Brady and her Hand Gun Control. It's all about the money, ka-ching....

[Sword_Svalbardt]

But they feel good as they "do" what they consider "good" works.

Remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

SS

[csmusaret]

I beg your paedon. I am a charter member of DAMM; Drunks Against Mad Mothers.