Hi Allen

I worked with the Red Cross a few years ago so I can tell you they are definitely up there with regards to how much donated money gets to the victims. Red Cross first aid training pretty much covers the cost of admin and the likes, so most of what is donated gets to the people in need.

You also have to think about how the money gets from you into the food and provisions needed. It takes a lot of work to be done effectively.

As an example, after the boxing day tsunami someone organized a shipping container load of blankets and clothing while avoiding using an NGO. The result was a container on the beach that got flooded with the tide, resulting in clothing and blankets ruined and floating around in the sea.

How far from xiaguan to Jianchuan? I always prefer the train if i can :)