Good Intentions Blog
GoodIntentions was a blog about international philanthropy hosted by Saundra Schimmelpfennig between 2009 and 2012. Ms. Schimmelpfennig is a distinguished veteran of more than 20 years in the international relief and development field, including four years working in Thailand following the 2004 tsunami. She is founding director of The Charity Rater and was also founding director of the Disaster Tracking Recovery Assistance Center.

Today marks the start of Hurricane Preparedness Week – and as we know, it only takes one storm to cause significant damage to communities in the United States and around the world.

We all know people can survive for days without food, but not without water. This tenet of human biology often drives individuals and organizations to donate bottled water in the aftermath of disaster.

As we recognize the millions of people fleeing crisis in search of a better life, let’s focus on channeling our generosity for good.

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you may have heard that wildfires continue to rage in Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported yesterday that 1,000 additional firefighters from across Canada, the United States, South Africa and other countries will soon join the 1,200-member crew working to contain the fires that have destroyed homes, land and livelihoods.