Doing Well Good
disaster response
When disaster strikes, our first instinct is to help, to send, to do, to give. But good intentions aren’t always good practice. True compassion asks not just what we give, but how. At ADRA, we believe in doing good well in ways that uphold dignity, strengthen local communities, and bring real hope where it’s needed most. This guide unpacks simple, powerful ways you can make your help count when crises happen.
Why “Money Is Best” During Disasters
When a disaster strikes, the instinct to send something is strong. Yet experience and research from humanitarian agencies worldwide confirm that cash donations do the most good. Money allows local ADRA teams and trusted partners on the ground to buy exactly what is needed: food, shelter, medicine from nearby suppliers. This supports the local economy, speeds recovery, and avoids clogging ports and warehouses with goods that may not be needed. The Sphere Humanitarian Standards call this “dignity through choice” – empowering survivors to decide what meets their family’s needs.
Giving money isn’t impersonal; it’s powerful, immediate compassion in action.
Doing Good Well: The Hidden Cost of Donated Goods
After major disasters, warehouses often overflow with unrequested items – winter coats sent to the tropics, expired food, or old toys. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) calls this the second disaster. When people send unwanted or unsuitable items, it diverts staff and trucks away from lifesaving supplies. If ADRA calls for items (such as towels or blankets), it’s because those specific goods are verified needs. Otherwise, the most ethical choice is to donate cash and trust our local ADRA partners who live and work in the affected communities. Doing good well means giving with wisdom, not waste.
When the Disaster Is Here at Home
When floods or storms hit within Aotearoa, supporters often ask, “How can I help?”
If you live nearby, register as a volunteer through official channels such as ADRA’s volunteer network or local councils. Coordinated volunteering ensures safety, insurance coverage, and the right skills in the right place.
If you can’t volunteer, your prayer and financial support are still vital. Your giving helps provide fuel, transport, and emergency supplies; your prayer sustains those who serve.
Together, we model what the book of James calls faith in action practical, organised -compassion.
Locally Led Responses: Trusting the Strength Within Communities
At ADRA NZ, we believe that those closest to the crisis are closest to the solution.
That’s why we fund and equip local ADRA offices and community leaders to lead the response. They speak the language, know the geography, and understand what families truly need. This approach known globally as localisation reduces dependency and strengthens long-term resilience. As supporters, when we give wisely, tell stories