Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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Those who use Wikipedia will notice from time to time that they call for donations. Although the people who edit and write Wikipedia are all unpaid, the Wikimedia Foundation handles all the services, the technical support, legal services and everything else that it takes to run Wikipedia. That costs money and that is why they call for donations from time to time. They are in a relatively healthy situation, given at any one time they have enough money to run Wikipedia for approximately another year, but it is one of those projects that I support, because I think it promotes a wide international free access to the kind of knowledge you used to have to pay thousands of rands to have in the form of an encyclopedia. Every family can have it for free now – except that, as we know, it is not free because they have all those expenses they need to pay.
I donate money to them, although truthfully I cannot remember if I donated it in my own name, which I probably did, or in the name of the firm, and it is not a huge amount, but I really do believe that every cent helps even if that amount is only approximately R1 000. I have learnt many times in my life that it is a good thing to be generous and nothing comes back to you if you don’t give anything. That is not to say that that is the motivation behind my giving, but it is certainly the motivation I use in trying to motivate others to give. The truth of the matter is we can all give in so many different ways – whether it is a more generous tip to the person who is putting petrol in your car than the feeble R1 or R2 some people give – you know even if you tip only 1% it would have to be at least R5 a time - and there are so many charities where even your R10 or R20 could make a difference. What do you think about donating money? What do you think about Wikipedia? Are there any charities that you support and if so, what are they? Perhaps you support them by giving them things, not necessary money or perhaps you support them by going and giving of your time. I would love to hear from you and I encourage you to put links to the websites of various organizations.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Thursday 14-Apr-16
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Comments
Daniella said:
on Thursday 28-Apr-16 09:07 AM
I never really used Wikipedia growing up as we had cases of encyclopedias at home , but for those who don't have that Wikipedia is an awesome way to get the information that is needed
Natasha said:
on Friday 22-Apr-16 03:50 PM
Giving to other wont take anything from you. Its always good to donate no matter how small your donation is the smiles on peoples faces when you help them money cant replace that
tamzyn said:
on Tuesday 19-Apr-16 04:36 PM
Wikipedia is a site I use often (although I was always told not to trust the information). I think donating to any charity/organisation is a wonderful thing, whether it be in money or time. I also agree that a small amount of money is better than none at all, if many people gave something small it would make a big difference. "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one" - Mother Teresa.
Daria said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 03:31 PM
Wikipedia is great, its a great place to find out information and virtually everyone can use it. I love personally donating to animal foundations such as the SPCA. Once a month I take a drive out to different SPCA branches and donate.
Angelique P said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 09:38 AM
I still use Wikipedia to find out some things, its a very good source of getting information.
I think it's a very good thing to donate, especially to the people that really need it.
If you have something to give, why not? It will only make someone elses life better.
At our church we donate clothes, cans of food etc. and the church make sure to give it to the people that need it the most.
You'll never know helping this person today he will maybe help you someday.
Charlotte Harding said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 09:07 AM
I love wikipedia. Especially for school projects, this is a brilliant website to use. Can't think that when we were kids that we had to page through books and books of encyclopedias to find what we were looking for. Now you just type a phrase, hit enter and whallah! I won't mind contributing towards a donation, it's worth it.
Ashleigh said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 08:51 AM
I love wikipedia. Whenever I need to know something, I rely on wiki for all the information. I'm surprised that they are not paid and happy that you are donating to them to keep them going.
tamaryn said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 08:45 AM
"I have learnt many times in my life that it is a good thing to be generous and nothing comes back to you if you dont give anything."
I agree wholeheartedly.
My charities of choice mostly include animal welfare and any charity with promotes education, knowledge, reading etc.
My favourite though, www.pugrescue.co.za. Cheryl Gaw and the team do amazing work!
Kaylee said:
on Thursday 14-Apr-16 08:00 AM
I think that good causes in South Africa that should be supported our organisations involving transformation. Unfortunately, there are deserving young inspired people that can't afford proper education or opportunities that some of us are exposed to, I also mean this in transformation of a male dominated industry and allowing females to succeed in areas that are male dominated. Those are the causes I support.
I think supporting Wikipedia is a good idea, I often look up information on Wikipedia just for general interest sake (although the information is not always accurate).
Another cause I support is any in relation to animals. I think sometimes I like animals more than humans so I am always willing to give to the helpless.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
