Originally Posted by Libertine

Very nice idea, and the following is in no way meant as criticism. It is something to think about, though.

The majority of money that is given to charities goes to charities which operate in rich, western countries. Meanwhile, in poorer countries, people are dying of things that could easily have been prevented.

For example, take HIV. Every single day thousands of children are born with HIV. But wait - they aren't actually born with it, it most often gets transmitted at birth. A few simple pills can prevent this from happening. In fact, saving the life of a single child this way costs about $5. You heard me right, $5. That's a small cappucino at Starbucks. And that's just one example of many.

Charities in western countries that cater to the relatively unfortunate in rich countries have far more money to better the lives of a few, than charities focused on poor countries have to save the lives of many.

A simple example. My mother is currently managing the budget for a charity that helps ex-convicts (including murderers, rapists, etc.). The money they spend on helping a few dozen of those get back on track each year could literally save the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who simply had the misfortune of being born in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

This auction of yours will probably raise a few thousand dollars. Undoubtedly, providing a single mother with daycare for a year is a great cause. However, that same money could be used to save the lives of thousands of children just like hers (that is to say, like hers, but probably black, whereas hers are likely to be white). Meanwhile, her children aren't likely to starve or die of disease if she isn't helped. She and her children will have a hard time, probably, but they will not die.

Helping people is a great thing. Still, it only makes sense to help those most in need of help, and in a way that helps as many people as possible.