With so many charities helping the poor and so many needs around us, it becomes a problem to know where to begin and which charity to choose.

Everyone is familiar with the “Big Boys” who have the ability to go in fast with immediate aid and save the lives of thousands with their efforts. News Reports give us on the spot coverage of what is happening then and there. We are involved in their suffering and respond to their needs.

Behind the scenes, and out of the public eye once the media cease coverage, are the smaller charities. Mostly the volunteers are local people, they supply the means for individuals to help themselves in small but lasting ways.

ROPE is one such charity that I can personally vouch for. It started in 1991 and its vision is to help the poorest of the poor. ROPE is, I think, unique in the way it handles funds. It guarantees that every penny given will go to the poor. The administrative costs are paid by a separate charity – Friends of Rope. People who give to Friends do so knowing that they are enabling ROPE to keep this promise.

Those who give to ROPE know every penny goes to help someone who is in desperate need.

I know, for instance, that my gift to ROPE went towards providing a permanent shelter for a brother and sister in Pakistan whose parents had died in an earthquake. If you want to read more personal stories like this look at this.

This is what I like about ROPE, it is up close and personal. It uses local people, and I’ve met a few of them, all admirable local people whom ROPE has tried and trusted over the years. ROPE adheres to Christian principles and expects the same standards from those who help them world wide – 70 countries to date.

I could write of revolving loans, new businesses and a host of people enabled to help themselves, but it would be better for you to take a look for yourself. You will be impressed.