As we approach Christmas I had intended to write another post on the subject of the 'Mercy Ships' organisation as a follow up to my original post, here. However, my e-pal, 'Fallen Monk', a good ol' Southern boy from Georgia, has provoked me to write it a little earlier because, as a result of Obama winning the election (obviously either a clear fluke or a case of severe hanging chads!) I owe him a bottle of 12-year old Macallan. He, very generously, has proposed that instead of wasting money on postage and packing to the States I should, instead, donate the money to 'Rainbows'. Of course I shall do that and I urge you all to just have a quick click on the link to read about it and see if you can spare something for them this Christmas. The care of dying children needs no special pleading.
However, that is just me settling a bet so my obligation to spare something else for a decent charity is not absolved. Ever since the summer when I first heard about 'Mercy Ships' I have been thinking of them and their work. I cannot stress strongly enough that no-one is paid, indeed, the volunteers spend their own money in air fares in order to reach the ship which recently has centred its activities in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Also, because all the medical equipment and treatment takes place on board, there is no chance of it being stolen or breaking down for lack of parts. This has to be one of the most cost effective charities in the world. By co-incidence, Mary Wakefield in The Spectator last week, wrote her Diary piece from Monrovia and its worth reading as a background to the appalling conditions in that country. Read my original post on the subject and find out exactly what 'war torn' means! So, perhaps you can cut back on something this Christmas and spare them a little contribution.
What is it that man keeps telling us? "Yes we can!"
ADDITIONAL: The following was added as a comment below by the 'Jamie Oliver' of the Mercy Ship:
There are many personal blogs (links) from people working in Mercy Ships at Very interesting reads...
http://mercyshipslinks.blogspot.com
Good choice David. The Rainbows is the favorite charity of my friend in Eyam's Mum and I am sure they will put your hard earned money to better a better use than another assault on my liver. I am sure, however, that the whiskey from our wager would have been especially nice to savor.
Cheers,
Posted by: fallenmonk | Wednesday, 05 November 2008 at 17:58
A pleasure, I assure you, 'FM'.
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 05 November 2008 at 18:16
There are many personal blogs (links) from people working in Mercy Ships at
http://mercyshipslinks.blogspot.com
Very interesting reads...
Posted by: tyronebcookin | Thursday, 06 November 2008 at 13:06
Good to hear from you again, Tyrone, and thanks for the link which I have added to the post above. Hope the cooking is still up to scratch!
Posted by: David Duff | Thursday, 06 November 2008 at 13:12