Charity Commission advises on Myanmar/Burma disaster appeals

The Charity Commission has published advice online about how the public and charities can maximise the amount being raised for the disaster appeals set up in response to the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma).

Advice to the public includes making sure they give via Gift Aid, don't automatically donate blankets and clothes which might not be needed, and "be suspicious of someone who says they’re collecting for 'victims of the cyclone' or something equally vague".

Charities are advised to check their charitable objects to make sure they are permitted to collect or handle money for this area of activity. If running an appeal they should set an end date and plan for possible surplus funds and how they would distribute them.

The advice includes links to other guidelines on fundraising on the Charity Commission's website, including the Attorney General's guidelines on disaster appeals (CC40).

Andrew Hind, the Commission's Chief Executive, said: "The £390 million given to the Disasters Emergency Committee in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami showed we are a nation of givers. Now the people of Burma desperately need our help. We want people to give and we've offered some helpful tips on how to maximise the money raised."

www.charitycommission.gov.uk/news/burma.asp