As the saga unfolds the last few days, it was the hottest topic in town. I think to be fair to NKF as an organisation and their staffs, they did not do anything evil, just misappropriate use of funds by a few individuals (at least from what the court proceedings revealed). Their donation drive efforts had been really vigorous in the recent years, its no wonder so many people are upset when they discovered the truth.
Much more of the truth, as we all know, is still hidden. Hope this saga itself has drawn enough attention for the management to make some changes, and we can leave the rest untouched. I have heard stories from friends, whose family members have to go have dialysis, there are some other non-money related problems with the organisation, again, I think it has to do with the ethics of a few individuals. But often, they are afraid to say it out, in fear of their subsidies being cancelled. Perhaps it is a good opportunity to voice it out, to improve on the quality of service that NKF provides. I think this is a difficult situation, as those who requires the service and help of NKF, a lot is in jeopardy. Will the management be able to look at these comments positively?
I think NKF did an excellent job in getting the donations. Much has to be said about their management of the funds tho'. In Singapore, the government has an invisible hand in most things, and I think this is good time to step in. Perhaps draw some guidelines to how funds should be use appropriately. Are there audits conducted for VWOs? I think the general 70-30 use of donation funds should not be applied to a very big VWO, since 30% will mean a very large sum of money. There should probably be some kinda cap, that at least covers the operational cost - that is fair to the staffs according to the prevailing market rate for wages. Volunteers also must eat one mah, so at least in the labour wages aspect, we got to be fair. As for the reserves, it should be cap at certain amount which may last for a more realistic timeline of ten years? The guidelines should also look at how to increase the subsidies for the patients - 20% is really too lil' (imagine paying 1K + on medical bills monthly). And of coz, lets do something about the income brackets to qualify for subsidies (why do patients have to literally beg for help before they are offered subsidies?).
I am sure, with many big-hearted Singaporeans around, no matter how bad times are, there are some who are still willing to fork out the money, to help the needy. What we need is a trustworthly transparent management for the funds. Let's continue to help the needy ones, may it be kidney or cancer patients, may it be NKF or other VWOs. Give your ten cents, your twenty cents (I'm not saying you should just donate that lil' hor, don't misquote me) into those cans during flag days, it may be lil', it may be tough to raise funds, but it helps them too.
An end to the chapter of the saga?
Much more of the truth, as we all know, is still hidden. Hope this saga itself has drawn enough attention for the management to make some changes, and we can leave the rest untouched. I have heard stories from friends, whose family members have to go have dialysis, there are some other non-money related problems with the organisation, again, I think it has to do with the ethics of a few individuals. But often, they are afraid to say it out, in fear of their subsidies being cancelled. Perhaps it is a good opportunity to voice it out, to improve on the quality of service that NKF provides. I think this is a difficult situation, as those who requires the service and help of NKF, a lot is in jeopardy. Will the management be able to look at these comments positively?
I think NKF did an excellent job in getting the donations. Much has to be said about their management of the funds tho'. In Singapore, the government has an invisible hand in most things, and I think this is good time to step in. Perhaps draw some guidelines to how funds should be use appropriately. Are there audits conducted for VWOs? I think the general 70-30 use of donation funds should not be applied to a very big VWO, since 30% will mean a very large sum of money. There should probably be some kinda cap, that at least covers the operational cost - that is fair to the staffs according to the prevailing market rate for wages. Volunteers also must eat one mah, so at least in the labour wages aspect, we got to be fair. As for the reserves, it should be cap at certain amount which may last for a more realistic timeline of ten years? The guidelines should also look at how to increase the subsidies for the patients - 20% is really too lil' (imagine paying 1K + on medical bills monthly). And of coz, lets do something about the income brackets to qualify for subsidies (why do patients have to literally beg for help before they are offered subsidies?).
I am sure, with many big-hearted Singaporeans around, no matter how bad times are, there are some who are still willing to fork out the money, to help the needy. What we need is a trustworthly transparent management for the funds. Let's continue to help the needy ones, may it be kidney or cancer patients, may it be NKF or other VWOs. Give your ten cents, your twenty cents (I'm not saying you should just donate that lil' hor, don't misquote me) into those cans during flag days, it may be lil', it may be tough to raise funds, but it helps them too.
An end to the chapter of the saga?
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