How do you feel?

Margaret Pilkington · 29-12-2010, 16:54

How do you feel about the governments latest ploy to get us all to give more to Charity?
It has been reported that the government are to 'encourage' the general public to be more generous with their time and money, by asking them at ATM's, at the tills when doing your genral shop, and also when shopping online, if you would like to donate a little something to a charity.

This is in an attempt to help us to focus on the 'Big Society' and foster the 'warm glow' that giving to charity is supposed to promote.

Myself, I think they have a damn cheek, and I fear it will backfire on the charities. Meaning that they may end up getting less donations because folk become'charity fatigued' and antagonised.

Most people are having a tough time financially.
The last thing they need is to be harassed by the checkout girl at Tesco.......and to be honest, the last thing the checkout girl needs is to antagonise her customer by asking for a donation to some charity or other.

I am not an uncharitable person....but I want to be able to choose who I give to and also the amount I can afford.
I have three favourite charities...and I give by direct debit......a guaranteed sum every year.
If I wanted to give more then it is up to me to do it privately, not at the cashpoint of the bank or at my local supermarket.

What is your perspective on this plan?

flashy · 29-12-2010, 17:05

they can try, i don't think it would get them far, if you want to give to charity then you do, if you don't want to then you don't

its just so the government don't have to give as much, bollox to them

accyman · 29-12-2010, 17:10

its just their way of shifting responsability for the vulnerable in our society onto our shoulders so they can continue sending millions to the needy in other countries.

Margaret Pilkington · 29-12-2010, 17:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy

they can try, i don't think it would get them far, if you want to give to charity then you do, if you don't want to then you don't

its just so the government don't have to give as much, bollox to them

I think you are right Shaz, but some folk may feel like they are in an awkward situation.....and may give something just because they are asked in a public place......they may not want to look uncharitable or poverty stricken.

I buy on e-bay from time to time and sometimes if the charity is one which appeals to me...like Help for Heroes/Poppy Appeal/Macmillan Cancer charity...then I will donate a pound.......but I think it is inappropriate to ask at Cashpoints and at the checkouts. Just my opinion.

Margaret Pilkington · 29-12-2010, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by accyman

its just their way of shifting responsability for the vulnerable in our society onto our shoulders so they can continue sending millions to the needy in other countries.

Yes, you are right. The money should be going to charities in this country.....to help the people of this country.

Eric · 29-12-2010, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by accyman

its just their way of shifting responsability for the vulnerable in our society onto our shoulders so they can continue sending millions to the needy in other countries.

Got it in one ... that's a gold star for you

cashman · 29-12-2010, 17:36

its called "Shifting The Spotlight" from the multi rich tory ******* to the peasants, like margaret i have 3 i regularly support, others only if i see fit n have the dosh, i feel very annoyed about this impertinence n may consider saying stuff it.

Gordon Booth · 29-12-2010, 17:49

Margaret, I think the way it will work is when you put your card in it will show you the bill and leave a place where you can add your contribution to add to the bill.The girl doesn't have to ask you. Some restaurants do this-it annoys me, if I'm tipping I give it the waiter, not put it straight into the owners account.
Will the Government decide who it goes to, or the supermarket, or you? If it's the Government will they give it to some poor third world country to help finance more nuclear weapons? No thanks, not for me!

BERNADETTE · 29-12-2010, 17:58

There is no way I would be coherced into giving money I can ill afford to any charity, having said that I am more than prepared to put time and effort into raising money through coffee mornings, raffles, tombolas etc. as was shown in November when we had our Heroes day. This country is on its uppers yet still insists on borrowing money to help other countries, I was brought up to believe "charity begins at home". So no there is absolutely no way I will feel the need to contribute money and leave myself short.

jaysay · 29-12-2010, 18:05

Well I only use my credit card on line, and I decide which charities to support and they are all British based and look after British people, which is the only thing I'll subscribe to and its MY CHOICE

Less · 29-12-2010, 18:14

Nope I won't be giving, nor will I be joining the so called, 'Big Society', I believe in a fair days pay for a fair days work and truly feel that the more voluntary people we have the less real jobs there will be for quite a large number of us.

Margaret Pilkington · 29-12-2010, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Booth

Margaret, I think the way it will work is when you put your card in it will show you the bill and leave a place where you can add your contribution to add to the bill.The girl doesn't have to ask you. Some restaurants do this-it annoys me, if I'm tipping I give it the waiter, not put it straight into the owners account.
Will the Government decide who it goes to, or the supermarket, or you? If it's the Government will they give it to some poor third world country to help finance more nuclear weapons? No thanks, not for me!

Yes Gordon, I know how it works too......but how long before it escalates into something more.
I frequently give my loose change in the BHF shop, and when there is a small amount of change when I am shopping I ask if they have a charity box for it to go into....and very often they don't...but I don't think the government should start meddling like this.
If they want more money to go to the Charities then they should think of perhaps subsidising premises/manpower, reducing the tax burden(perhaps they already do this...I don't know).
As for encouraging volunteers, I like, Less, feel that by volunteering you deprive someone of a job that they could be paid to do.

I don't know who thought up these ideas, but I think they are deluded and misguided....and it looks as though I am not the only one.

Barrie Yates · 29-12-2010, 19:22

It is ridiculous when the Government have already increased the funding to Overseas Aid ansd are covering the shortfall in the UN Disaster Fund because other countries haven't given what they originally promised???????????????

cashman · 29-12-2010, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrie Yates

It is ridiculous when the Government have already increased the funding to Overseas Aid ansd are covering the shortfall in the UN Disaster Fund because other countries haven't given what they originally promised???????????????

(You'll find that happens regularly Barrie when there's no points to score,) bet jaysay don't comment on that statement?

which he made on another thread.

JCB · 29-12-2010, 21:14

I decide what money I am going to give away .
If anyone at the door or on the telephone asks for a donation I explain that I have already committed myself as to how and what I donate .
ATMs and others will be given the same response .