A couple of weeks ago I was at the checkout of the local grocery store and I noticed some donation coupons for the local food bank. I tore off a $5 coupon, gave it to the cashier, and the donation went on my grocery bill. Tada! I found myself thinking, “I wonder if I would have donated anything if it wasn’t that easy?” I would not be surprised if most people who do not donate during the holiday season (or any other time of year) would have excuses like “I never thought of it.” “I didn’t have time.” Or, “I was going to but I forgot.” But we can minimize these excuses by putting donation facilities directly in front of people when they already have their money out anyways.

To maximize the number of donations for the tsunami relief effort, the same simple donation system is the answer. Sure enough yesterday at the Liquor Store there was a donation box next to the cashier stuffed with bills. Of course for large donations a more transactional approach would be needed. Although I am a student and will be in debt for some time, I still managed to donate what I could. There really is no excuse not to donate something. Especially if you’ve gotten an armload of fancy gifts in the past few days.

Anyone have change for a button?

Canoe.ca is reporting today that over 36 million dollars in private donations has been collected by Canadian aid agencies. The government of Canada has also pledged to match the sum of private donations up to January 11th. Some American donors are even pledging their money to Canadian agencies so that their generosity will be doubled. With the government’s help, Canadians have pledged over 72 million dollars of much needed relief money so far.

Good job Canada, keep it coming!