Outrage over RNLI overseas spending

[Azza]

Funding initatives to essential stop people from dying in 3rd world countries and people are losing their heads.


Cancer Research UK helps funds projects in other countries, will people stop donating to them too? The British Heart Foundation will no doubt provide grants to international projects too, will they be burning their sofa instead of donating it to them next time?

 

[Terminal_Boy]

The RNLI has operated abroad for a century (in Ireland) and the job cuts are apparently at its headquarters. The boats are manned by volunteers and lifeguards are seasonal workers. If there was an impact on frontline services, the Mail would have been screaming about it.

Anyway, the reaction from some is a non-issue. The type of person who is angry with the RNLI about this wouldn’t give them a penny under any circumstances.

Ireland is not abroad. Ireland is one of the British Isles and has a shared, if troubled history with the UK.

Cutting jobs which clearly affect the RNLI’s ability to operate while spunking money up the wall on overseas vanity projects has quite rightly upset people.

 

[Jono8]

Ireland is not abroad. Ireland is one of the British Isles and has a shared, if troubled history with the UK.

Cutting jobs which clearly affect the RNLI’s ability to operate while spunking money up the wall on overseas vanity projects has quite rightly upset people.

Trying to prevent a drowning epidemic is a "vanity" project now?

 

[FoxEye]

Funding initatives to essential stop people from dying in 3rd world countries and people are losing their heads.


Cancer Research UK helps funds projects in other countries, will people stop donating to them too? The British Heart Foundation will no doubt provide grants to international projects too, will they be burning their sofa instead of donating it to them next time?

Apples and oranges. Research is an inherently collaborative endeavour, the benefits of which can rightly help people all over the world.

Rescuing those at peril in the UK's national waters is not (until you factor in all the migrants trying to reach our shores illegally).

Giving faith-specific swimming lessons in Africa is not a core part of rescuing people at peril in the UK's waters.

At the same time, letting your UK staff go because you have a large budget shortfall - and yet reiterating your commitment to increase funding for your overseas projects... this is lunacy.

Question: why aren't African countries funding their own projects for faith-specific swimming lessons? Do you think (honestly) they don't have the money to do that themselves? Really?

 

[Jono8]

horrendous guff

At the same time, letting your UK staff go because you have a large budget shortfall - and yet reiterating your commitment to increase funding for your overseas projects... this is lunacy.

Did you stop to think that maybe an international presence helps the RNLI bring in more donations from overseas?

An international presence and being noticed for projects overseas is absolutely a good thing and will help raise the profile of the RNLI on the international stage.

 

[FoxEye]

Did you stop to think that maybe an international presence helps the RNLI bring in more donations from overseas?.

So you mean countries that can't be arsed to fund programmes to help their own citizens are going to be significant donors to foreign charities?

Amazing logic.

Frankly I think that's just nonsense you've pulled out of your backside, with literally no reason to consider it.

 

[azazl187]

I would imagine we donate to other countries like this so we can use it as leverage later on down the line in respect to trade and such. We don't do anything for nothing these days

 

[Mason-]

Did you stop to think that maybe an international presence helps the RNLI bring in more donations from overseas?

An international presence and being noticed for projects overseas is absolutely a good thing and will help raise the profile of the RNLI on the international stage.

If you're a non British citizen not living in Britain why would you donate to a charity that operates in Britain and spends 98% of its funding within Britain?

When if you wanted to donate to a charity that has a coastguard service in your own country, why not just donate to one in your own country?

 

[Jono8]

So you mean countries that can't be arsed to fund programmes to help their own citizens are going to be significant donors to foreign charities?

Amazing logic.

Frankly I think that's just nonsense you've pulled out of your backside, with literally no reason to consider it.

Who said anything about the countries themselves? I am talking about an international presence that could attract donations from wealthy philanthropists who aren't necessarily from the UK.

Your simplistic view that the RNLI should only spend money in the UK and on saving British people is insular and selfish and it means you that you fail to see the bigger picture.

In fact the burkini thing that you seem to have an issue is done because a donor specifically wanted money to go towards this project (presumably they donated a huge amount o have this sort of influence)

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2019/september/15/information-about-the-rnlis-international-work

Educate yourself:

RNLI response to criticism that the charity has misled donors who thought they were donating to save lives in UK and are now surprised to learn that money is being spent overseas?

We greatly value our supporters and have not misled them. The RNLI's international work has been reported in detail in our annual reports going back several years and information is also available from the RNLI website and regularly reported elsewhere. The financial commitment to our international work is reported separately and there has been no sleight of hand.

The RNLI’s priority is to provide the very best search and rescue service in the UK and Ireland, but we are also proud to use our expertise, knowledge and influence to help others save lives across the world, particularly in countries where drowning rates are high. Our founder, Sir William Hillary, had the vision that we ‘should extend our views [of drowning prevention] from our own immediate coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every neighbouring state’. This remains relevant today.

Why are the RNLI involved in doing International work?

We don’t operate RNLI lifeboat or lifeguard services overseas – instead, we support the work of partners to build local capability. Our international drowning prevention work currently includes educating children in water safety and survival swimming; training personnel in lifeguarding, search and rescue and lifesaving leadership skills, and international advocacy to champion the drowning prevention cause at a global level. Our aim is to increase the number of people who can make a difference to the safety of others in their communities, and share their skills so the lifesaving legacy continues, as well as to call for greater awareness, resources and action at a global level. We can’t do this alone, so are working in partnership with other organisations to increase our impact.

Why are the RNLI funding burkinis?

The Panje Project teaches women swim survival skills in Zanzibar. The burkini, which is a full length swim suit is an innovative (and cheap) way of enabling girls in strict Muslim countries, to get into the water without compromising their cultural and religious beliefs. The RNLI have been involved in the Panje Project with the majority of the RNLI’s involvement funded by a donor who specifically wanted the money to go towards this project.

Why is the RNLI getting involved in creches?

The Creches for Bangladesh programme helps reduce children’s risk of drowning by ensuring they have close supervision throughout the day. Around 40 children a day die from drowning in Bangladesh.

Children are most vulnerable to drowning between 9am and 1pm when parents must work to feed their families, and are unable to provide close supervision. Community-based creche facilities provide a safe environment for children aged between 1-4. Run by local women, these facilities provide a secure place away from open water for children to play and learn important skills.

Access to a free creche place reduces a child’s risk of drowning by an incredible 82%, as well as providing essential early childhood development. We work in partnership with the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB), who are experts in injury prevention and drowning prevention. Alongside CIPRB we have already helped to fund 10,000 creche places for some of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable children. All public donations to our recent appeal were matched by the Department for International Development.

 

[Jono8]

If you're a non British citizen not living in Britain why would you donate to a charity that operates in Britain and spends 98% of its funding within Britain?

When if you wanted to donate to a charity that has a coastguard service in your own country, why not just donate to one in your own country?

Because not everyone is tribal and insular and thinks only about the specific bit of land they happen to be born on.

 

[FoxEye]

And @FoxEye, I am equally glad i dont have the bitterness and hatred that courses through you. It must be horrible to be so bitter on a daily basis and I do feel sorry for you.

My anger comes from listening to people like you pushing your progressive (lol) agendas in every avenue of life. The fact that you and your ilk are increasingly in charge and dictating to the rest of us. Also the smug condescension and self-righteousness that comes with all this nonsense virtue signalling.

I'd like nothing more than for the PC "liberals" to all pack off and go an live on another planet. You can then all be so very woke together, and see how far it gets you.

 

[Mason-]

Because not everyone is tribal and insular and thinks only about the specific bit of land they happen to be born on.

Okay some I'm an Indian living in India and I'm going to donate to the RNLI in Britain.

It's not about being insular or tribal it's about not being a moron.

Seems as you're so passionate about it can you tell me what charities you donate to in foreign countries that spend 98%+ of it's money within that country?

 

[Jono8]

Okay some I'm an Indian living in India and I'm going to donate to the RNLI in Britain.

It's not about being insular or tribal it's about not being a moron.

So you think that if someone donates money to a charity that isn't based in their own country, they are a moron??

 

[FoxEye]

In fact the burkini thing that you seem to have an issue is done because a donor specifically wanted money to go towards this project (presumably they donated a huge amount o have this sort of influence)

"Presumably".

Prove that these foreign donors funded 100% of this foreign work.

At the end of the day, the RNLI had a 6.3 million loss/shortfall, and asked for more donations. So unless the foreign projects are 100% funded by foreign donors then some of this shortfall is self-inflicted.

If these foreign donors funded 100% the foreign work, and/or there was no shortfall in funding across the RNLI's UK operations, you might have a point.

But you've just said that's speculation on your part. How can I be expected to "educate myself" with your speculation?

Let's not forget they let >100 UK staff go directly as a result of their funding shortfall.

 

[Mason-]

So you think that if you donate money to a charity that isn't based in your own country, you are a moron??

In this specific case yes. What benefit is someone living in Indian going to get donating to the RNLI in Britain, a country which has (relative to the majority of the world) incredible public services and is generally one of the best countries in the world?

 

[Mason-]

I don't mind RNLI spending some money abroad.

I just find @Jono8 's idea that it will attract donations from abroad hilarious and ridiculous. This isn't a third world country that's been hit by a natural disaster. People from abroad aren't going to donate to a British charity that spends most of its money in Britain.

 

[stockhausen]

Note to self:

Must remember to take British Passport, waterproof photograph of Bonker Boris, copies of Rule Britannia! and Jerusalem and a copy of the Daily Mail when venturing out to sea.

 

[FoxEye]

So you think that if someone donates money to a charity that isn't based in their own country, they are a moron??

In most countries charity either doesn't exist or is targeted at their own tribe/affiliation.

It's the PC brigade here that buck the trend. They like to ignore the needs of their compatriots, and will gleefully support diverting money away from the needy in this country to funnel it to more PC causes abroad.

 

[Jono8]

"Presumably".

Prove that these foreign donors funded 100% of this foreign work.

At the end of the day, the RNLI had a 6.3 million loss/shortfall, and asked for more donations. So unless the foreign projects are 100% funded by foreign donors then some of this shortfall is self-inflicted.

If these foreign donors funded 100% the foreign work, and/or there was no shortfall in funding across the RNLI's UK operations, you might have a point.

But you've just said that's speculation on your part. How can I be expected to "educate myself" with your speculation?

Let's not forget they let >100 UK staff go directly as a result of their funding shortfall.

I'm pointing out that it isn't as simple as you are making out (ie that the money they put into international projects is simply money lost from their UK based operations).

As demonstrated by that link, the RNLI no doubt have lots of wealthy philanthropist type backers, and i highly doubt every one of them is from the UK.

An international presence is nothing but a good thing.

Again, from that link:

Our founder, Sir William Hillary, had the vision that we ‘should extend our views [of drowning prevention] from our own immediate coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every neighbouring state’. This remains relevant today.

 

[Colonel_Klinck]

Except that the RNLI themselves said they made a loss of ~7 million and needed more funding.

And also that they're proud of spending 3.3 million on foreign projects like teaching poor African kids to swim in muslim faith-specific clothing. Right on.

e: 3.3 million which the RNLI says it intends to increase year on year.

So unless donations increase year on year, they are admitting that they will spend less year on year on UK operations.

e2: Oh dear.



"Diversity leadership group"
"Lobbying the UN"
"Resignations among volutneers"
"Fighting homophobia"

This is what happens when the CEO is one of these new left-wing PC types.

I mean, why is the RNLI getting involved in fighting homophobia?

This is what happens when these PC types take over. The core mission takes a back seat to pushing a social agenda.

And people here will lap that up.

Apparently having a "good social justice vibe" trumps everything now.

You know what? I'm glad I have *nothing* in common with posters like @Greebo and @TJM Political correctness is veritable insanity.

Katie Hopkins is that you in disguise? Tanzania is 2/3rd Christian. Are Christian children worth saving in your eyes? I'd hate to live in a world run by the likes of you, empathy and and charity only handed out if you are Christian Anglo Saxon. The Gov could end homelessness in this county within 5 years, they choose not to and tax the wealthiest in society a few less pence instead. I've spent time living in Southern Africa and the people in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi that I lived amongst were some of the best people I have ever met. Go and live in the bush amongst these people and then say they aren't worth helping, because they will do anything to help you while you are there.

Who said anything about the countries themselves? I am talking about an international presence that could attract donations from wealthy philanthropists who aren't necessarily from the UK.

Your simplistic view that the RNLI should only spend money in the UK and on saving British people is insular and selfish and it means you that you fail to see the bigger picture.

In fact the burkini thing that you seem to have an issue is done because a donor specifically wanted money to go towards this project (presumably they donated a huge amount o have this sort of influence)

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2019/september/15/information-about-the-rnlis-international-work

Educate yourself:

RNLI response to criticism that the charity has misled donors who thought they were donating to save lives in UK and are now surprised to learn that money is being spent overseas?

We greatly value our supporters and have not misled them. The RNLI's international work has been reported in detail in our annual reports going back several years and information is also available from the RNLI website and regularly reported elsewhere. The financial commitment to our international work is reported separately and there has been no sleight of hand.

The RNLI’s priority is to provide the very best search and rescue service in the UK and Ireland, but we are also proud to use our expertise, knowledge and influence to help others save lives across the world, particularly in countries where drowning rates are high. Our founder, Sir William Hillary, had the vision that we ‘should extend our views [of drowning prevention] from our own immediate coasts, to the most remote quarters of the globe, and to every neighbouring state’. This remains relevant today.

Why are the RNLI involved in doing International work?

We don’t operate RNLI lifeboat or lifeguard services overseas – instead, we support the work of partners to build local capability. Our international drowning prevention work currently includes educating children in water safety and survival swimming; training personnel in lifeguarding, search and rescue and lifesaving leadership skills, and international advocacy to champion the drowning prevention cause at a global level. Our aim is to increase the number of people who can make a difference to the safety of others in their communities, and share their skills so the lifesaving legacy continues, as well as to call for greater awareness, resources and action at a global level. We can’t do this alone, so are working in partnership with other organisations to increase our impact.

Why are the RNLI funding burkinis?

The Panje Project teaches women swim survival skills in Zanzibar. The burkini, which is a full length swim suit is an innovative (and cheap) way of enabling girls in strict Muslim countries, to get into the water without compromising their cultural and religious beliefs. The RNLI have been involved in the Panje Project with the majority of the RNLI’s involvement funded by a donor who specifically wanted the money to go towards this project.

Why is the RNLI getting involved in creches?

The Creches for Bangladesh programme helps reduce children’s risk of drowning by ensuring they have close supervision throughout the day. Around 40 children a day die from drowning in Bangladesh.

Children are most vulnerable to drowning between 9am and 1pm when parents must work to feed their families, and are unable to provide close supervision. Community-based creche facilities provide a safe environment for children aged between 1-4. Run by local women, these facilities provide a secure place away from open water for children to play and learn important skills.

Access to a free creche place reduces a child’s risk of drowning by an incredible 82%, as well as providing essential early childhood development. We work in partnership with the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB), who are experts in injury prevention and drowning prevention. Alongside CIPRB we have already helped to fund 10,000 creche places for some of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable children. All public donations to our recent appeal were matched by the Department for International Development.

Trying to educate bigots is like banging your head against a wall and expecting something other than a headache.