There has been an outpouring of sympathy for victims of terrorist attacks at transportation hubs in Brussels.
So how can you help?
Experts say the options may be limited right now for Georgians to directly help the victims, simply because it’s so early in the process. Generally, when there is any kind of natural or man-made disaster, organizations defer to groups and governments working on the ground to assess the needs before they rush to help in the situation.
The American Red Cross, for instance, has no plans to raise money. Instead, they suggest people check the Croix-Rouge de Belgique, or Belgium Red Cross, website, which mobilized its teams and ambulances to respond to the tragedy. In addition to medical teams mobilized, they have set up a reception center and are providing mental health assistance to people affected by this tragedy. For more information, go here. There are parts of the website that can be translated in English and you may be able to make donations.
People may also check the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies website to see what, if anything, they can do to help.
For news of family members missing as a result of the attacks, people may contact the Crisis Center of the Belgian Internal Affairs via phone: +32 -78 -15 -17 -71 or go here. The Belgian Red Cross launched a website on which persons can register as "alive" or report a missing person. To access the site in English, select English in the dropdown menu.
A woman who answered the phone at the Belgium consulate office in Atlanta said "nothing was in place at the moment." The embassy and consulate offices suggest people follow their postings on Facebook and Twitter.
GoFundMe has started a fundraising campaign to raise money for the victims and their families. So far, more than $34,000 of the $100,000 goal has been reached.
GoFundMe made an initial donation of $25,000 and said on its website that once an official charity for the victims has been established, it will transfer all funds there.
There is also social media, but caution is advised before you act or send money.
Social media users are using hashtags to offer stranded victims refuge in their homes.
One hashtag, #OpenHouse, offers a safe and warm place to stay, and many have offered comfort and tea or coffee. The French translation #PorteOuverte has been used as well to offer stranded travelers affected by flight cancellations in London and Barcelona places to stay, showers and Wi-Fi.
Residents of Brussels have also used the hashtag #ikwilhelpen, which means “I want to help” in Dutch, to offer temporary housing and transportation to those affected by the attacks.
Whenever and however you plan to help, the Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia advises consumers to beware of scam artists who are all too willing to take advantage of the situation.
Disasters can bring out the best and worst in people.
Here are a few tips:
- Be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. Instead, go directly to the charity's website by typing the website address.
- Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity.
- Check give.org for charity evaluations.
- Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations from bloggers or other websites.
- Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fundraising and administrative costs.
- Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas.
- Determine if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups.
- Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider "avoiding the middleman" and giving directly to those that have a presence in the region.
- Keep in mind that click baiting (showing photos of the attacks, the terrorists, etc.) can also appear to be related to a legitimate charity but it could be malware that you're downloading on your computer. At the end of the day, you could potentially giving your money to scammers and getting a virus on your computer.
Related:
Dikembe Mutombo survives bombing at Brussels airport
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