Charity
I used to pass a homeless man on my walk to work, many years ago. He would be sitting in the same shop doorway every morning, huddled underneath his dirty blanket. I would always drop a pound coin into the little plastic cup that was always standing on the pavement, next to his feet. One morning, a work colleague saw me putting money in the cup, and later commented that I was probably only doing it in order to feel good about myself, rather than out of any genuine concern for the homeless man. I gave a lot of thought to what he had said, and in the end I had to admit to myself that he was right. I was, indeed, using that poor down and out to boost my own self esteem. Of course, as soon as I realised this I stopped giving him money, even though this did cause me a minor inconvenience in having to walk a different, slightly longer way to work.Since then, I have, on principle, never donated a penny to any charity. I do sometimes feel guilty about this, as there are many worthy causes out there, all in need of funds to execute their good works, but If guilt is the price I must pay for doing the right thing, I am prepared to make that sacrifice.
Before I am held up as some kind of paragon of virtue, I must admit that I have made a small concession to charitable giving. There is a scheme on Facebook whereby one can donate one’s birthday to a charitable cause. I am not really sure how that generates income for the charities, but if they can make a few quid out of something I didn’t really use anyway, good luck to them. I also donated an old wedding anniversary that I don’t need any more.
Comments (10)
that's not a good enough reason to stop being kind to the beggar man.....
why not view it in another way, kind of like, killing two birds with the same stone.
If helping him was helping you .... what's the big deal
There's no big deal, it's just that sticking to my principles is the cheaper option.
I think the homeless man cares about that coin your dropped and not about how are you feeling.
.... but here's one more way to do the charity and not at all to boost your self esteem: make an arrangement with your bank to take off your account a certain amount every month for Unicef.
In my experience, it might even upset you, especially when you spend a bit more, and your income is about to hit the minus.
Giving money to those in distress is a creditable thing, whatever the reason for it, but those who actually do something to help, who devote time and effort into making a difference, they are the ones who deserve our admiration.
I went into town in the afternoon with a pal and saw her in the doorway of the Bank and recognised her which is why I stopped. She was in her 60's I think and very well spoken and I was shocked to see someone that had been reduced to this state. I do wonder why there are not more facilities for homeless people as she was obviously very nervous and withdrawn and I did wonder about her history Acorn.
This was Summer 2019 .