Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about TEAR's Useful Gifts. If your question is not answered here, please contact us.
FAQs about Useful Gifts
Can I order by phone, fax, or post?
Yes. You can order items from the Gift Catalogue by phone, fax, or post:
- Call TEAR Australia: (+61) (03) 9264 7000 or (toll free) 1800 244 986 Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm EST (GMT +11)
- Download an order form (pdf), and post or fax it to us:
- Fax: (+61) (03) 9877 7944
- Post:
TEAR Australia
PO Box 164
Blackburn
VIC 3130
AUSTRALIA
How soon can I get my printed gift cards?
Australian orders
It depends on the time of year: In October-November, your order will be processed within 2-5 working days; in December, it will take 2-3 days. The rest of the year it normal takes 2-5 days. Please allow additional time for postage.
You may also choose to have your cards sent by Express Post ($5 extra). Please allow 2-3 days, Australia only. Express Post cards will normally be sent the same day if the order is made before 2pm EST. Please note: Express Post only operates in these areas within Australia.
International orders
Please allow up to 8 weeks for delivery for international orders (it normally takes up to 2 weeks).
What about e-cards and print-your-own cards?
E-cards and print-your-own cards are sent as soon as the order has been finalised. They should arrive within a few minutes. With e-cards, the recipient is sent an email with an attachment of the card. When you buy print-your-own cards, you will be able to download the card after you check-out. You will also be sent an email receipt with a link to download the card. However, internet traffic and many other factors can sometimes delay delivery.
Can TEAR send a printed card to my friend instead of me?
We prefer to send the cards to the person ordering them as it's always best if the card is filled in by the gift giver. If time is an issue, why not consider an e-card/print-your-own card?
NOTE: We do NOT write on your cards—they are delivered to you to personalise. (Consider an e-card/print-your-own cards to write a personal message and have it emailed.)
Can I get a certificate instead of a card?
Yes. If you're part of a group and would prefer a certificate rather than a gift card, please let us know how you'd like the certificate made out, and we can send you one.
Can I have the receipt made out to the person receiving the card?
Sorry, no. The money received is a donation to TEAR Australia so the donor must receive the receipt.
When I buy a gift, such as a toilet or a goat, does that actual item get 'delivered' to the project?
No. Your purchase of a specific gift is representative of the type of community development work done by our projects. For example, the purchase of a toilet helps to support the work of our Water and Sanitation projects. These project may well install toilets, but they also provide training and education in hygiene, safe water practices, and maintenance of equipment, such as wells and water systems. Likewise, a goat contributes to our Livelihoods and Food Security programs, where communities are provided the skills and tools to transform their lives through better agriculture techniques, training and resources. Some project will provide goats, and other animals, but they are part of a wider picture of community development.
How does my gift support projects?
All items on the cards are supplied by one or more projects. Should the number of items sold or the funds raised by any of the gifts in this catalogue exceed the amount needed for the projects those gifts are intended to fund, TEAR Australia will redirect donations to other development work. This appeal closes on 30 September 2012. Donations received after that date will be directed towards comparable items in TEAR’s 2012-2013 Gift Catalogue. Any gift purchased on a recurring gift basis will go to a similar gift or sector after the appeal date.
Can I get a photo of the actual item I'm purchasing, or write to the people in the village I'm supporting?
Sorry, no. Because TEAR supports local agencies working to use their funds in the most appropriate way, extra services like individual photos, translation for letters, postage and attributing specific items to specific donors are beyond their capacity. Nor would TEAR provide extra funding for this type of activity when that money could be used for essential development work. We understand that building up a 'personal' connection with the gifts can be desirable, but it is simply too expensive for TEAR to consider.
Can I still buy gifts from last year's Gift Catalogue if they aren't in this year’s?
Not all of the projects supported by TEAR Australia are able to be represented in the Gift Catalogue - after all, there are more than 160 of them! However, this doesn't mean we no longer support them. To reduce our administration, we do not guarantee to match previous year’s gifts to their previous funds and projects. We do keep a limited stock of previous catalogue cards, and it is likely we can supply a card from a previous year’s catalogue. For others, even though they're no longer Gift Catalogue items specifically, TEAR Australia is likely to be continuing support, with funds raised from general giving (unless the item is more than a few years old). If you have a particular gift in mind please contact TEAR.
What if any gift is oversubscribed?
If any gift is oversubscribed, TEAR will use your donation to fund similar activities in the following areas: agriculture and livelihood development, community health, education, civil society or environmental sustainability.
FAQs about TEAR Australia
What does 'TEAR' stand for?
TEAR was set up in 1971 by the Australian Evangelical Alliance and was called The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund (TEAR Fund). In 1998 TEAR Fund became legally independent and was renamed TEAR Australia. The byline 'Transformation Empowerment Advocacy Relief' has been adopted as a description of the work we do.
TEAR Australia is a Christian relief, development and advocacy agency responding to the needs of poor communities around the world. Our motivation comes from our belief that God loves all people, and in Christ offers them the opportunity of a new life. We believe that God is just, and has particular care for the poor and those who suffer as victims of injustice.
We work in partnership with other Christian groups, including churches, relief and development agencies and community-based organisations, which are working with the poor in their communities. We seek to build effective relationships with these partners, grounded in mutual respect, trust and accountability.
Priority is given to those programs that strive to involve the most marginalized and exploited members of each community, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.
Does TEAR fund evangelism?
No. TEAR's policy is to finance the relief, development and advocacy activities of organisations who are motivated by their faith in Christ, and by their desire to demonstrate the depth of God's commitment to justice, to mercy and to the poor. We do not fund proselytizing activities, but we rejoice and celebrate when we know of people whose lives have been wonderfully and beautifully enriched by the embrace of God in Christ. We long to see this happen. We pray for it to happen. But we will not support any attempt to misuse relief and development activities to manipulate people into the church. We believe such attempts lack integrity, result in poor development, and dishonour the One who is our motivation.
FAQs about Fundraising and Donations
How much of my donation reaches the project?
The price of each item in this Gift Catalogue includes a small percentage for administration.
For the financial year ended 30 June 2011, 89% of TEAR's total expenditure was spent on programs within Australia and overseas. This consisted of 79% for the aid and development program and 10% for community education within Australia.
Fundraising expenses, such as the production and distribution of the Gift Catalogue and the processing of orders/donations, accounted for 3% of total expenditure. Administrative expenses include bank fees, administration staff salaries and computer expenses. These help support the running of the overall organisation and accounted for 8% of total expenditure for the financial year.
If you would like a copy of the full financial statement, please go to TEAR's website. or contact us on 1800 244 986.
Does TEAR use street fundraisers ('chuggers')?
No, we don't, for two main reasons. Firstly, TEAR has a commitment to educating people in Australia about the causes of poverty and encouraging our supporters to think about how their life choices can impact communities across the world. So rather than “rattling a tin”, we prefer fundraising methods where we can engage with people, share stories, and provide opportunities for learning.
Secondly, we believe that the cost of this fundraising approach is too high. While we recognise that all fundraising entails costs, we aim to use our budget in this area as wisely as possible, so that the money we are entrusted with can be used where needed most. In the financial year ended June 2011, only 3% of TEAR's income was spent on fundraising. If you would like a copy of the full financial statement, please go to TEAR's website or contact us on 1800 244 986.
How do I know the money gets there?
TEAR Australia is audited by registered company auditors and accredited by the Australian Government (through AusAID). TEAR is a signatory to the ACFID (Australian Council for International Development) Code of Conduct, representing our commitment to ethical standards in governance, financial management and public accountability. For a copy of our annual report, call (toll free) 1800 244 986 or visit TEAR's website.
More Questions?
What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, try the 'About TEAR' section of our website, or please contact us.
