As I watched the news leading up to, during and after the one-year anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, I had to wonder if what we were seeing – the sheer lack of progress – would trigger donor scepticism in the future.  When the earthquake hit, there was a massive outpouring of financial support from around the world – from individuals, companies, NGOs and governments alike.  

But, from what we’ve been seeing and hearing, the money just isn’t getting there, and the important re-building work is therefore not happening.  This is reinforced in pretty much every news report or photograph that we see.  This is bad enough, but is it also creating donor sceptism as a result?

It makes me wonder whether what’s happened in Haiti with relief money will cast a negative shadow on the sector, and cause people to think twice about donating the next time around – to the next disaster relief effort.  It’s really unfortunate, but the fact that the money doesn’t get through – or doesn’t appear to get through (or quickly enough) – could well make a sceptic out of anyone.  And sadly, the only ones who suffer are those who fall victim to the disaster, and who desperately need that money to be donated. 

I have to wonder if anyone is thinking about the far-reaching effects of this “lack of progress” – and of the media coverage which is simply fuelling the fire.  I don’t like to think that I’m a sceptic, but it sure makes me wonder about what happens to the money we donate – this time, and the next time it comes for me to think about donating to a disaster relief effort.  Will I think twice about it?  And will others do the same?