Fear and Frugality vs Compassion and Generosity
Lowell Sheppard • April 6, 2020
Have you noticed that one of the peculiarities of the COVID-19 crisis is the absence of fundraising
by the non-profit sector?
No doubt it is happening at various levels in some places, but if they are, it is not making headline news. Nor, are we given a plethora of ways to give.
Typically, in the immediate moments, days, weeks, or even months following a disaster, there is a surge of 'charitable giving' in order to to enable the non-profit sector to respond. In some cases, the flow of cash is unstoppable, even when the donations are not needed or solicited.
For example, after the triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, nuclear) of 3/11, the world responded without being asked.
But, this is different.
Rather than seeing a response of compassion and generosity, the world is enveloped by fear and frugality.
It is understandable. We give when we see others in need. Their suffering and uncertainty trigger those of us who feel secure and stable, to help. Perhaps out of guilt, perhaps out of gratefulness, but humans help humans.
But, for the first time, in a very long time, the whole world is in the disaster zone. The COVID-19 crisis respects no borders or peoples. The human race is in crisis. We are all at risk. We all feel fearful and are uncertain of how this will play out
Yet, we want and need to do something.
When we see others suffer, there is an innate human response to do something. In normal times, we donate money or our time. It makes us feel better that we are doing something.
This is different. Donating our money and time has been replaced by washing our hands, practicing social distancing and encouraging others to do the same. It gives us the sense that we are helping ourselves and others.
These are unusual and unprecedented times for the Human Race. We all agree.
Not the Great Equalizer
Let us remember though that COVID-19 is not the great equalizer. It is the poor and vulnerable
that suffer the most. Their path to recovery and their return to self-reliance may take longer than others.
And then, there are those who were self reliant before by running their own small business - self proprietary entrepreneurs who literally live hand-to-mouth and did not have cash reserves to go weeks, let alone months, without revenue.
They will need our help and while government is stepping in to a degree, there will be a role and a need for the non-profit sector, as well as civil society, to respond and make a difference in more cost effective ways than the government.
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