Set cynicism aside

I am upset by the common refrain I am hearing from many people when I discuss donating money to relief agencies helping out with the tsunami disaster.
I have been told several times in the past few days that to donate to such a cause is throwing your money away as the funds will never get to the people who need help but rather go to line the pockets of corrupt administrators at relief organizations or crooked government officials of the countries receiving the aid.
The other excuse I have heard is that this is the government's responsibility and that is what we pay our taxes for.
This widespread cynicism is just a feeble excuse to justify selfishness. Very sad considering we are so blessed to live in such a rich lifestyle here in Canada.
Perhaps I am coming at this from a different angle. I lived through the dark, early days of the Walkerton water tragedy.
We had no drinking water to speak of for a few days until help was received from generous relief agencies, a number of Canadian corporations, and various local governments.
When I walked into the Walkerton Arena a few days after the crisis unfolded, I was astounded to see the entire hockey rink filled with skids of bottled water. To say the least, I was deeply moved.
Relief agencies and others saved our bacon not only in the early days of the crisis in May but deep into the fall until the water was restored.
I would suggest to you cynics out there who won't donate to the tsunami disaster crisis that you should rethink your position.
Life has a peculiar way of turning the tables on you. You may inadvertently find yourself a victim of some disaster and be in dire need of help.
I urge you to set your cynicism aside for a few minutes, go to the phone or online and donate what you can afford to help these unfortunate disaster victims. You'll feel much better for it.
Todd Huntley, Walkerton