In an attempt to do something charitable for needy families at Christmas during Snowmageddon, creating a St. John's-based Facebook group, Neighbours in Need, was seen as a way to help people trapped inside during the storm's aftermath in January 2020.
The group helps with various needs, such as providing groceries and diapers and arranging travel for medical appointments. It focuses on connecting people who need help with those who can give it, fostering a strong sense of community and support.
Since then, it has grown to nearly 32,000 members. Carla Crotty, who was once briefly part of the group but quickly left when she discovered odd things happening, said she became aware that some of the charitable money may have been mismanaged when the Single Parents Association “took a chance” and partnered with Neighbours in Need for Christmas.
“In part to ensure people weren’t taking advantage of Christmas assistance. SPAN made a massive error in judgment and shared a list of people supposedly “double dipping” with two of the main admins of the group. When one admin breached confidential information about an alleged double dipper, it was screenshot and shared with the entire group.
Jennifer Tarrant, SPAN’s Executive Director, acknowledged an apology for this breach in a press release today, stating:
“It has come to our attention that a privacy breach occurred regarding our Christmas Magic program. The breach was limited to ten individuals who have been contacted or are in the process of being contacted directly. Steps have already begun to ensure that this breach does not occur again. We offer our sincerest apologies to the individuals affected for any distress.”
Since then, a barrage of screenshots on the Horrors Stories about Neighbours in Need Facebook group has emerged, showing money being exchanged and not going to people in need.
Crotty said some screenshots showed admins skimming money off the top of donations for themselves, helping friends over strangers and flat-out stealing from unknowing helpers in the community.
“As far as I can tell, proving it so they are held accountable remains to be seen.”
Crotty is the founder of Need Something, Got Something Group, a similar but well
known and respected group with 21,000 members, said there have been problems since NIN started.
Since the breach, the group has been paused. Both founding members have shut down their Facebook accounts but are still active on Messenger.
No one knows if anyone has reported the group to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. However, the Horror Stories About Neighbours in Need Facebook group members feel they were taken advantage of and think someone must be held accountable for misplaced charitable donations.
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