Charities and questions

Madam, – Sarah Carey’s article “Charities need to be asked rude questions” (Opinion, February 24th) comes at a very opportune…

Madam, – Sarah Carey’s article “Charities need to be asked rude questions” (Opinion, February 24th) comes at a very opportune time. It is essential that donors know where their money goes and what it achieves. Return on investment is just as relevant to charities as it is to business – if not even more so.

Last year, in collaboration with local communities in disadvantaged areas of Nepal, Foundation Nepal provided healthcare to 29,440 people, delivered healthcare and hygiene training to 5,581 people, supplied educational materials to 1,087 children and supported 780 people with income generation projects, as well as employing three part-time staff in Ireland and completing a rebranding process – all on a budget of €120,000.

This was possible thanks to our low-cost operational model in Nepal, a dedicated team of volunteers in Ireland and the fact that as CEO, I work pro bono. We think this debate is long overdue. – Yours, etc,

NICKY DEASY ACA,

CEO & Director,

Foundation Nepal,

New Road,

Galway.