NKF Exposed

The truth eventually prevails.

The recent news of the NKF (National Kidney Foundation) CEO, Mr Durai retracting his defamation law suit against SPH (Singapore Press Holdings) after a day of court proceedings has been the talk of the town. The CEO's hefty salary of $600,000 with about 10-12 months' of bonus amongst several other perks, which was exposed during the court hearing, is seldom heard of for a commercial enterprise, and what's more the NKF being a VWO (Volunteer Welfare Organisation).

Perhaps it was partly the insensitive remark from Mrs Goh Chok Tong, former patron of the NKF, that had sparked the immense displeasure. She had commented that Mr Durai's salary was peanuts, but the fact remains that his salary comes from the people's hard earned money, given out in a genuine gesture to help the needy. Who wouldn't get incensed at hearing such a comment?

Just only the beginning of the year, I had a written an article on charity cynics but it seems that now with this fiasco, the number of disbelievers have suddenly surged. Many people had placed their trust in the organisation to ensure that funds get to the needy but this trust had been breached and shattered.

There is an urgent need for transparency in VWOs and for them to be managed by an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) or governmental agency to lay down certain guidelines on matters like fund-raising and fund distribution. The donors and volunteers are effectively the legal shareholders of the charity and thus have a right to know how funds are being raised and used.

Ultimately, charities should not just be readily sticking out their hands and asking for donations, but also play a more active role in imparting awareness and nurturing an environment for charitable hearts.