I have been reading this thread with great interest. It is precisely the discussion I had with a good (dear) friend of mine earlier this month while in Jamaica. I heartily recommend that those interested in this watch a documentary on Netflix (available in both Canada and U.S.) that she put me onto. Poverty Inc. It addresses these issues, and supports and expands on what so many - Bnewb, Rob, Marko ... so many ) are saying about giving and the long term impact. I won't go in to details, but it outlines real-life impact of our perceived "generosity" - in one example, our "generous" sending of our used clothing to developing nations (great idea, right?), managed to wipe out the cotton industry in Kenya. The whole industry!. Watch this documentary (Thanks, Onion Love!) and think about it. It opens your eyes to a lot and makes you think - what am I REALLY doing? And who am I REALLY doing it for? I am guilty of the random giving in the past. I had stopped it, and now give only to controlled organizations - Rotary; Fr. Jim; St. Anthony's - and you see where the money is going (Get the Kids to School Programme - now that's a freaking winner, guys! So many kids!). I was quite confused and conflicted with the whole thing - but this documentary spells it out in living colour by the people in the affected countries who are trying to deal with the "generosity" and bring themselves (meaning their nation!) up! I would love to hear comments from anyone who does watch this. It's pretty informative. And thanks to the Robs, Bnewbs, Markos and all who tell it like it is. Give with your heart, but don't create a bigger problem. Be informed. There is a comment in the documentary from a Haitian man that is VERY telling .....