Assuming that any Observer reader who is not actually completely broke occasionally gives money to a charity, it is interesting to find out what it is that makes us choose one cause rather than another. Is it one where we have some knowledge of the problem, or of the people who need help or, quite often, have no particular interest in the cause but enjoy the event that has been organised to raise money for it?
That could hardly be the reason why a number of us crossed London on a cold evening recently to get together with the friends of Freedom from Torture, and sink a small drink. But here we met some of those who work for it, and one way or another the least knowledgeable of us learned more of the sad situation of survivors of torture. Not of Nazis nowadays, but of survivors from Syria.
We learned of Kadr, who was not allowed to work here until he achieved official refugee status and learned how to make shepherd’s pie; and other such survivors who were able to find work gardening, or join a yoga group. We also heard about Jolie, who was tortured in the Republic of Congo and fled with her baby girl 13 years ago, and had a bad time here until the Freedom from Torture took her on.
Plainly the world has not stopped being difficult for them, and their cause spoke to me. (For anyone who wants to know more about Freedom From Torture, their postal address is 111 Isledon Road, London N7 7JW; 020 7697 7777; freedomfromtorture.org). I also came away thinking that any charities that help people, at the same time letting us know what is going on, should surely come before ones just favouring woolly animals or antique buildings.
What do you think? Have your say below
