Can we include information in the PSA about donating other items such as commodities to international disaster victims?
No. We would like the PSA to focus on the “cash is best” theme and deter people from giving inappropriate items that will not best help victims. One of the greatest misconceptions regarding international disaster relief is that used clothing, canned foods and bottled water are urgently needed after a foreign disaster. Supplies, particularly food and clothing, can almost always be purchased locally – even in famine situations. Local procurement provides the triple advantage of stimulating local economies (providing employment, generating cash flow), ensuring that supplies arrive as quickly as possible and reducing transport and storage costs. Also remember that certain foods, particularly in famine situations, can make victims ill. In most cases, donations of canned goods are not appropriate, while the collection of bottled water is highly inefficient. It is important to have an accurate analysis of need before determining response. Contestants may however use this information to illust
