Whaaattt?

I support a small local animal charity, dogs and cats only. The woman who runs it has been doing the job for about thirty years and she told me she has never seen so many abandoned animals or animals who have been given to them by tearful and loving owners who simply cannot afford their upkeep any more. I have never seen her look so depressed.

 

I don't give monthly donations for the simple fact that I don't believe all the money goes to said charity. I know so many people that sign up and then get begging letters from similar charities. The problem is that the more you give, the more you seem to invite other charities to contact you. I think lots are just under the same fundraising management and I don't like those agencies getting a cut.
When I donate I'd rather do it as a one off.

 

@Thevictorian I certainly never donate via the 'chuggers' seen on the High St trying to get people to sign up to charities. I generally do just make one off donations through collecting boxes in the street. The only charity I do give to monthly is Guide Dogs.

 

TBH, I dont get other charities contacting me although I have a 3 direct debits.

I can understand why they like DDs because it means they can plan ahead to some extent, one offs are unreliable in their eyes, although still welcome.

 

I have only just started reading this post so please forgive me for the late start I have just read the start of this thread about children not being potty trained.

when my child born 1977 first started school i couldnt understand why the mother in front of me held personalised in felt tip a toilet roll also with the yellow mothercare potty
saying to the teacher ive brought his own potty because i dont like him using the same as everybody else, plus ive put his name on the toilet roll I will replace as needed.

other mothers didnt know what to do look the other way or laugh. I thought how embarrasing but the teacher after a few seconds silence replied to her ......well I wouldnt worry that wont happen I think he will be in the minority of pupils not toilet trained.

I would have advised a crash course of Toilet training. .....but i wasnt asked

 

Gawd……

 

I'm not sure but they are not allowed to take cash under certain circumstances, like when they knock on your door.
I think rules have changed regarding chuggers as well.

 

On the doorstep I tell them the same, usually I will think about it, they know that is code for No.

 

It makes a change from cigarette packets and old beer cans.

 

If I get approached by ‘chuggers’, I now ask them if they are volunteers or being paid. They have always confessed to being paid, so I just tell them I’ll donate direct. I have had a monthly direct debit to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, very dear to my heart. Apart from sending me a copy of their magazine, I never get plagued by requests to increase the amount.
We are also supporters of The Donkey Sanctuary, which is headquartered very near our home. We seem to spend a small fortune in their lovely restaurant, and I often get tempted by things in their shop, especially the plant section! We don’t have a direct debit for donations, but can pop cash into the collection boxes around the site, hopefully saves on their admin costs!

 

This amused me: Raman | Facebook

As for charities, in Belgium you couldn't just put money in a collection box. They have to show ID and give you a pen or somesuch in return. Never seen one here but, as in Belgium, the SM complex has charities collecting food and toiletries several times a year. I only have one direct debit charity here and they've never pestered me for more dosh.

Occasionally I come across beggars, often with dogs, so I'll buy them a sandwich and a bottle of water and chews or biscuits for the dogs.