Jim, I tend to agree that 'charity' may not be as effective as some people think. It does encourage dependence, and is a 'sop to Cerberus' in salving one's conscience.

That's why my sister and I select charities which enable people to become self-sufficient.

She's brilliant at finding schemes which set up small, viable businesses for women in developing countries. And those organisations which endeavour to eliminate FGM by education schemes that present a 'coming-of-age ceremony' as a better way to mark a young girl's entry into womanhood.

We contribute to some medical,sanitation and hygiene charities (she's a retired doctor and has an interest in this) which educate people about disease and its prevention.

We also support personally my large family of in-laws. Several of them (male and female) have been provided with the means to earn a living, and are now bringing in a wage from their own efforts (a tailoring shop with sewing machine, a hair-braiding salon, to give two examples)

I only write this in order to explain that we are well aware of the pitfalls in 'giving' and that none of it addresses the evil causes of poverty.
But we do what we can.

On the subject of materialism, I think that most very rich people do buy ridiculously expensive and luxurious items, such as several fancy cars, jewellery, £1000 handbags and other designer trash, and even private jets and/or yachts. I've said on here before how we visited Harrrods in London for a laugh, and saw some headphones encrusted with diamonds costing £20,000. Now that IS materialism.