Or, “why I’m not voting for the Edm. Foodbank and Humane Societies in the current poll”.

It’s always hard trying to determine which charities to support and to what degree. Especially in times of economic uncertainty. Every dollar counts and is often desperately needed – not only by the charities but occasionally by the donors themselves.

The Edmonton Twitter community participated in a world-wide charity fundraiser, Twestival, earlier this year.  In September #yeg tweeps will be participating in another Twestival related event. This time the intent is to raise funds for a local charity.  What that in mind, organizers are holding a poll to determine which local charity to support.

Two of the charities in the top three are ones that have been heavily supported by #yeg tweeps and general public in the past (Edmonton Foodbank & Edmonton Humane Society) so I’m going to do something completely out of character for me. I’m asking people to consider voting for one of the other charities listed in the poll.

I know that both the the Edmonton Foodbank and Humane Society are excellent charities. Both Drew and I are firm supporters of their causes. That said, the Foodbank just wrapped up a major fundraising campaign during the Heritage Festival and has benefited from lots of #yeg tweep food donation challenges (multiple ongoing challenges started by @sirthinks and @fusedlogic) in the past. The Humane Society is the intended beneficiary of funds raised at the Aug 14 #yegsafetymtg and birthday bash (hosted and organized by @Out_Inc).

So, despite knowing these two charities have ongoing needs, I’d like to see the #yeg Twitter community support a different charity for the local Twestival. There are a number of homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other community organizations that are in desperate need as well. They provide much needed services to thousands in our city. Many appear on the list of suggested charities to support on the poll.

Just something to consider when you’re clicking on the button to vote. And, if you need to assuage your guilt over not supporting the foodbank or humane society as the local Twestival charity of choice in Sept 2009, I recommend making a personal donation to either (or both) of these causes as soon as possible.

Note: voting ends Aug. 17

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