Apple Accepting Donations for Louisiana Flood Relief

[Piggie]

Hello, I'm a multi Billionaire who wants to make out I'm generous to good causes.

Please give me some of YOUR hard earned money, so I can tell the media I'm giving this to a charity.

makes you feel sick does it not

 

[gnasher729]

They aren't matching it or at least a portion? They could help also.

Apple gives people a very simple, basically zero effort, way to donate with the knowledge that 100% of their donation will arrive at the Red Cross without any money disappearing on the way. Apple does that for free. Usually these kinds of organisations spend tons of money to get donations.

And if you want Apple to pay some money on top of that, find gift cards that are sold at a rebate (you'll find info on macrumors).

 

[Weaselboy]

It's not uncommon for organizations to take a cut from donations so I could see how that question may be legitimate.

I have never heard of a corporation promoting a fund raiser like this taking a slice of the donations. Do you have some examples?

Again, do you seriously think Apple is getting a percentage of what people donate to the Red Cross as part of this?

 

[gnasher729]

It's interesting that apple does not allow apps to collect money for charity purposes. It would be a convient and safe way to contribute

Except neither you nor Apple would have any idea where the money ends up.

 

[SoAnyway]

Apple has billions stashed away offshore, I'm sure they don't need average people donating when they can clearly afford to do it themselves.

 

[C DM]

I hear you. I say squat because its not a very good effort, maybe it is squat +0.5. They weren't willing to take down their hero image to help, just throw a button on the page. Even I can do that:


Louisiana Flood Relief Donate to help

You can, but have you? And can you bring as many eyes to it all?
[doublepost=1471647859][/doublepost]

Apple has billions stashed away offshore, I'm sure they don't need average people donating when they can clearly afford to do it themselves.

They don't need anything, they are simply bringing forward something to make it more visible and simpler to use should someone decide to make use of it.
[doublepost=1471647772][/doublepost]

Hello, I'm a multi Billionaire who wants to make out I'm generous to good causes.

Please give me some of YOUR hard earned money, so I can tell the media I'm giving this to a charity.

makes you feel sick does it not

Considering that's not what's actually happening, it seems that the twisting of it all is what actually comes close to going down the "makes you feel sick does it not" path.

 

[sp3k0psv3t]

You really think that took more than ten minutes to put up? With those 2004 icons.

You are correct sir. I didn't mean my comment in the literal sense but from an overall view of perspective.

I realize the actual time Apple spent was minimal so yes you are accurate; just releasing a general sense of frustration.

No offense intended nor was I trying to be cute, snarky, or disingenuous; just making a blank comment.

Have a good one.



USVet
[doublepost=1471648433][/doublepost]

I am in complete agreement. I need a marginally updated phone or computer more than those people need a house. Timmy, where are you?!?!?!?!

Good God no lol. I didn't mean it like that my friend. Even if it came out that way haha. And I truly don't think you do sir either (or ma'am).

Obviously I want new and updated kit, but not at the expense of those actually in "need" of items and resources to stay alive, get medical treatment, and/or save lives.

I understand the sentiment though



USVet
[doublepost=1471649127][/doublepost]Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum, please allow me to clarify my post.

I did not for 1 second imply, indicate, ascert, recommend, etc. that Apple is not doing something GOOD in a bad and terrible situation for all those that have been affected by this tragic incident. I am pleased and happy that Apple has taken the time to establish an additional outlet avenue that people can use to contribute personal funds to help those in need. I am in no way turning "Apple doing something positive" as a platform for complaint.

I realize what I said could have been construed as such so forgive the miscommunication. I was just trying to make a joke about the delay in product updates, NOT at the expense of those people in need or at the tragic incident itself. Obviously Apple is a large multi-national conglomerate corporation that does maintain a certain degree of social responsibility, which itself is pleasing as similar companies in close circumstance sit idle and do nothing at all.

Thanks for understanding. If anyone has been offended, I offer my apologies.



USVet

 

[pat500000]

You are correct sir. I didn't mean my comment in the literal sense but from an overall view of perspective.

I realize the actual time Apple spent was minimal so yes you are accurate; just releasing a general sense of frustration.

No offense intended nor was I trying to be cute, snarky, or disingenuous; just making a blank comment.

Have a good one.



USVet
[doublepost=1471648433][/doublepost]

Good God no lol. I didn't mean it like that my friend. Even if it came out that way haha. And I truly don't think you do sir either (or ma'am).

Obviously I want new and updated kit, but not at the expense of those actually in "need" of items and resources to stay alive, get medical treatment, and/or save lives.

I understand the sentiment though



USVet
[doublepost=1471649127][/doublepost]Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum, please allow me to clarify my post.

I did not for 1 second imply, indicate, ascert, recommend, etc. that Apple is not doing something GOOD in a bad and terrible situation for all those that have been affected by this tragic incident. I am pleased and happy that Apple has taken the time to establish an additional outlet avenue that people can use to contribute personal funds to help those in need. I am in no way turning "Apple doing something positive" as a platform for complaint.

I realize what I said could have been construed as such so forgive the miscommunication. I was just trying to make a joke about the delay in product updates, NOT at the expense of those people in need or at the tragic incident itself. Obviously Apple is a large multi-national conglomerate corporation that does maintain a certain degree of social responsibility, which itself is pleasing as similar companies in close circumstance sit idle and do nothing at all.

Thanks for understanding. If anyone has been offended, I offer my apologies.



USVet

If it's your opinion/voice....you stick with it. Don't let others tell you this or that. "If I'm understanding you correctly."

 

[robertcoogan]

I wish Apple would stop listing the Red Cross. So badly managed, and it's executives are overpaid.

 

[Johnny907]

MR forum members turn disaster relief into a reason to complain in 3..2..oh, wait, already happened.

Exactly. As someone who has packed relief supplies for Red Cross and Salvation Army for going on 14 years now, it never ceases to amaze me the ease which some people seem to complain about large charity groups such as these. Are they perfect? No. Are they better than nothing? Absolutely, and a far cry better than taking cheap shots at the process from behind a keyboard.

 

[Altis]

Why does Apple always want to be the middleman in things? Why can't people just donate directly to red Cross? Does Apple take 30%?

Or they just want to make it simpler for people to do it and get the weird out to more people? But that would probably be too straightforward and realistic of a take on it that isn't as exciting and exhilarating as some sort of a more "malicious" type take on it.

http://www.apple.com

If you go Apple's web site, you will see this (screenshot) at the bottom where you can click to donate. It seems pretty obvious Apple is trying to get the word out on this to help raise money.

Do you seriously think Apple is taking a 30% fee for this or are you just trolling?

Are you serious? With Apple's presence and immense customer base they have the power to motivate people to donate that otherwise might not. Amazing you think that Apple is taking 30% off the top.

No worries, you don't have to donate or lift a finger to help, but carry on and feel free to slag on Apple for stepping up.

If it's anything like it is in Canada, they get the tax write-off when you donate through them. Here, they take your money, then give it as a donation, then claim that amount on their tax exemptions and pocket the return.

 

[mjs975s]

If it's anything like it is in Canada, they get the tax write-off when you donate through them. Here, they take your money, then give it as a donation, then claim that amount on their tax exemptions and pocket the return.

Really? I'm going to have to look into that and start donating directly if that's also the case in the US.

 

[Altis]

Really? I'm going to have to look into that and start donating directly if that's also the case in the US.

That's why every second place you go, they ask if you want to make a donation to some cause right at the check-out. Donations are tax-exempt and you aren't the one making it, they are.

More troublesome here as well is how many "charities" spend almost exactly the maximum 50% of their income on salaries, with the other 50% going to rent, utilities, training, travel, and advertisement. There are some $1M+ charities that spend less than $25K on the actual services they claim. That's why so many insist that you give cash instead of supplies.

In Canada, charities have to post their financial conditions to the Canada Revenue Agency who makes it public. Always have a look over before donating to make sure you are actually helping the cause rather than lining someone's pockets.

 

[citysnaps]

If it's anything like it is in Canada, they get the tax write-off when you donate through them. Here, they take your money, then give it as a donation, then claim that amount on their tax exemptions and pocket the return.

Please back up your claim that Apple is doing that here with substantiation.

 

[Abazigal]

Don't you just love it when people who probably aren't donating a cent to begin with start telling other people how they should spend their money, and to whom they should donate it to?

 

[Altis]

Please back up your claim that Apple is doing that here with substantiation.

I don't care enough about the US policies to look up... it's just food for thought since it's commonplace here in Canada.

Maybe it's different there? But aren't donations still tax-exempt in the US? Are you able to collect that tax exemption if you donate through Apple?

 

[C DM]

I don't care enough about the US policies to look up... it's just food for thought since it's commonplace here in Canada.

Maybe it's different there? But aren't donations still tax-exempt in the US? Are you able to collect that tax exemption if you donate through Apple?

A charitable donation is a charitable donation and if one can claim those on tax returns then they can be claimed as they apply to that particular return.

 

[Altis]

A charitable donation is a charitable donation and if one can claim those on tax returns then they can be claimed as they apply to that particular return.

Hmm.. well I'm no income tax accountant, so I'm really just giving some food for thought. There is a lot of funny business going on with charities and taxes in Canada, and I imagine so in other countries. It may turn out not to be the case for the U.S.

In any case, I'm not sure why not just give directly to the charities of your choice. It would be nice of Apple to match some level of contribution so that they're actively involved.

 

[balamw]

I think this article should belong to politic section...

MOD NOTE: Anyone who is eligible to post in the political section can start their own thread in PRSI to discuss whatever political off-shoots from this thread that fall within the rules. However they cannot force this thread to move there or make overtly political posts in this thread.

Many posters have managed to comment on the article or even criticize the Red Cross without crossing the line, so we don't see a reason to put this thread in PRSI at this point.

B

 

[C DM]

Hmm.. well I'm no income tax accountant, so I'm really just giving some food for thought. There is a lot of funny business going on with charities and taxes in Canada, and I imagine so in other countries. It may turn out not to be the case for the U.S.

In any case, I'm not sure why not just give directly to the charities of your choice. It would be nice of Apple to match some level of contribution so that they're actively involved.

Seems like this is essentially giving directly to the charity, just simply another avenue to do that (to make it simpler/faster for some people).

 

[littyboy]

I have never heard of a corporation promoting a fund raiser like this taking a slice of the donations. Do you have some examples?

Again, do you seriously think Apple is getting a percentage of what people donate to the Red Cross as part of this?

I doubt Apple is taking a %. I learned that before you even donate, you're supposed to ask how much of your donation actually goes to the cause. You'd be surprised that it's not 100%.

 

[pat500000]

MOD NOTE: Anyone who is eligible to post in the political section can start their own thread in PRSI to discuss whatever political off-shoots from this thread that fall within the rules. However they cannot force this thread to move there or make overtly political posts in this thread.

Many posters have managed to comment on the article or even criticize the Red Cross without crossing the line, so we don't see a reason to put this thread in PRSI at this point.

B

Okay gotcha

 

[zeram1]

$1.4 Billion donated to the Haiti earthquake relief, and not a single new house was built with said funds.... pass on the bloatware known as the Red Cross.

 

[Cineplex]

You can, but have you? And can you bring as many eyes to it all?
[doublepost=1471647859][/doublepost]
They don't need anything, they are simply bringing forward something to make it more visible and simpler to use should someone decide to make use of it.
[doublepost=1471647772][/doublepost]
Considering that's not what's actually happening, it seems that the twisting of it all is what actually comes close to going down the "makes you feel sick does it not" path.

I don't know how many eyes are seeing it. I was on apple.com several times today and didn't notice the donation thing until I read this post...even then it took me a bit to find it.

At any rate....they don't care enough to make it the hero image.

 

[cardfan]

I don't care enough about the US policies to look up... it's just food for thought since it's commonplace here in Canada.

Maybe it's different there? But aren't donations still tax-exempt in the US? Are you able to collect that tax exemption if you donate through Apple?

Nope, donations made through itunes or Apple are NOT deductible technically and Apple even warns you about this. You have to donate directly because the charity has to acknowledge receipt. But most would probably just include them anyways on their taxes and not worry about it as it's probably not a material amount. If you're donating big money, then you'd probably not be using itunes.

BTW..i'd be surprised if Apple wasn't deducting all these payments to charity. They have to recognize them as income.