Giving to the "less fortunate".

Ive been having a debate with some people on another forum about whats the norm when giving to people who are, shall we say "less fortunate".

I said that id buy a big issue from someone in the street every so often, and i would donate money to the likes of Registered charities, but would not under any circumstances give money to people just begging on the streets. This resulted in my getting massively flamed for being "cold hearted and harsh".

One person said that he would even give them money if they knocked on his door of his home, just begging. I couldnt beleive it, and said that here in York, if you did that you would be cruising for a bruising.

So it got me thinking... what are peoples views on here about giving their hard earned (or easily earned in SV650S_DUB's case) cash.

Do you give to big issue vendors? Do you drop a few pennies into the plastic cup of the guy you see on your walk to work? Have you ever had someone knock on your house door begging - if so, did you give? How much are you likely to donate in each situation?

Lets see what the "norm" is......

Discuss.

On occasion I've gone and bought an extra pack of sandwiches and given them food but if they're not registered I don't give money.

Apart from one guy who came up to us whilst we where having a beer and asked for a few quid for booze and weed. Had to admire his honesty

[timwilky]

I have a friend, who refuses to give to any charity. (age concern, cancer research etc.) The reason being that he views charity fund raisers as well meaning but doing their charities no favours. If the charity fund raisers did not exist, then the goverment would be forced to fund the work done by the charities.

Obviously there is not enough money to round and those that lacked funding have been forced to get out the begging bowls. This leave goverment free to fund minority or "undeserving" charities to the detriment of others.

As for street beggers, big issue salesmen etc. Get a job you idle scum, there is enough work out there if you can be bothered to get off your backsides. Don't give to them as you only fund their idle waste of a life. Why not make them walking organ donors at least that way their lives would not have been completely wasted, and give them the incentive to mend their ways PDQ.

Originally Posted by timwilky

I have a friend, who refuses to give to any charity. (age concern, cancer research etc.) The reason being that he views charity fund raisers as well meaning but doing their charities no favours. If the charity fund raisers did not exist, then the goverment would be forced to fund the work done by the charities.

Obviously there is not enough money to round and those that lacked funding have been forced to get out the begging bowls. This leave goverment free to fund minority or "undeserving" charities to the detriment of others.

As for street beggers, big issue salesmen etc. Get a job you idle scum, there is enough work out there if you can be bothered to get off your backsides. Don't give to them as you only fund their idle waste of a life. Why not make them walking organ donors at least that way their lives would not have been completely wasted, and give them the incentive to mend their ways PDQ.

Just to pour petrol onto fire.

The big issue salesmen are registered as being homeless, and they get a cut of all the ones they sell. So these guys are technically working and trying to get themselves out of their situation. The big issue producers provide training and councelling for their vendors too.

Dont you think that giving to these vendors or buying a mag off them is helping them?

I wouldn't give anything to beggers, but would be inclined to give to someone selling the Big Issue as they are at least doing something to earn cash (although I have only ever brought one issue).

I do give to charity, but under my terms. If there is a charity I believe in or have an afinity or empathy with I will give or even help fund raise through doing a sponsored event. I don't give to people who come knocking at my door or to those irritating biddies who rattle charity tins at me in the highstreet.

Originally Posted by getyerkneedown

Ive been having a debate with some people on another forum about whats the norm when giving to people who are, shall we say "less fortunate".

I said that id buy a big issue from someone in the street every so often, and i would donate money to the likes of Registered charities, but would not under any circumstances give money to people just begging on the streets. This resulted in my getting massively flamed for being "cold hearted and harsh".

One person said that he would even give them money if they knocked on his door of his home, just begging. I couldnt beleive it, and said that here in York, if you did that you would be cruising for a bruising.

So it got me thinking... what are peoples views on here about giving their hard earned (or easily earned in SV650S_DUB's case) cash.

Do you give to big issue vendors? Do you drop a few pennies into the plastic cup of the guy you see on your walk to work? Have you ever had someone knock on your house door begging - if so, did you give? How much are you likely to donate in each situation?

Lets see what the "norm" is......

Discuss.

I guess im with you then... should I feel guilty as I dont even buy big issue. My wallet came out when the Tsumani hit etc but my view is some of these charities skim to much from the top so I am more confused than ever about which is good or not. I have adapted a blanket policy of not giving. I dont give to beggers approaching me off the street as most are smart enough to get a real job.

EDIT: I lie - I give to the clothing bin charities - whoever they are. Thats about it.

I will admit to not being a great giver of money (the exception being to the RSPCA, who I've elected to pay a slightly higher premium on my dog's insurance, a cut of which goes to them) but I prefer to actually 'do' something.

I'll but extra pet food and put it in the collection bin for the local animal shelter, give clothes n stuff to charity shops or buy some extra sandwiches/can of drink for a Big Issue seller. That kind of thing.

I kinda feel then that I know where my money's gone if you get my drift.

I will give money to buskers though if I like what they're playing - they kinda brighten up the place in a way that beggars don't.

I'm with Mr Orange when it comes to tipping though.

Giving money to beggars is a sure fire way to get mugged in London.

I also pay a **** load of tax.

Therefore, I prefer to help people directly.

Originally Posted by thor

I also pay a sh*t load of tax.

This is a very important, and very common point of view that left wing 'I think 90% tax is great' idiots forget. The higher you tax people, the less generous they become.

Whos the person who voted yes? C'mon, reveal yourself and give your reason/thoughts...