I'm so weak!!

suzzi2704

I know it sounds awful... but whenever one of those charity canvassers in town stops me to ask me to set up a direct debit for their charity... I'm so weak... I just can't say no... the problem is I'm so broke I can't afford to be making this kind of commitment.... the best I can do is put a pound or two in when they are collecting around twon.

They always give such genuine reasons why I should give them money... I just can't refuse. I'm already signed up by AICR, Shelter and some charity for families with disabled children.

What can I doooo???

Tulip

:hello: Suzzi2704,

For myself if I get stopped by charity workers,I just say I am not interested sorry,smile and then walk away,or if I see them ahead of me with folders I go to the other side of the road before they have chance to stop me and go on my way

HTH

Katie

Philliggi

you shouldnt feel awful, charity begins at home.

I have always believed in giving to charities close to my heart. I have had personal experience with cancer, and terminal illness within my family, so i support my local hospice, which works wonders.

If everybody chose one charity to support, which is close to them, each charity would do very well.

just remember you cant save the world alone. i very much doubt you have had experience of homelessness, and disabled children (sorry, dont know what AICR is).

My advice would be to cancel all direct debits and chose one which is close to you. If you get stopped in the street, simply say you already support (eg) the RSPCA, which you care about strongly, and unfortunatly you cannot afford to support another charity at this time. you will be able to do this in the knowledge your not lying.

just remember, people you know will be doing sponsored events from time to time, so you can support them then.

good luck

GiveItBack

Hi suzzi

It's very simple, people feel guilty for not helping others in need, but the fact is you can't support every charity out there. If you keep trying to help when you financially can't, then sooner or later, you'l end up in big trouble, and then you won't be able to help anyone - might even need help yourself.

SO choose an amount you can spare each month, and choose one charity, cancel the rest and change that to the amount you can spare.

Feel free to pm me if you need more encouragement

ahai1

I just walk away as fast as I can.

Bean_Counter

As others have said, no need to feel guilty. Just pick one stock answer to give when stopped which means that you will not be lost for what to say. Quite often simple is best - I just say 'no thanks' without breaking stride.

soolin

Just keep walking, there ar eall being paid a lot of money to get people to sign up.

I was cross recently to discover that my student son who can't get a job in his uni town and relies on me to keep him going at uni was signed up by Red Cross and not only that but they phone him every month to get him to up his donation. he was up to £15 a month when he finally confessed to me he didn't know how to stop them and he couldn't even afford to buy himself any food.

Idiophreak

a) Cross the street / hide behind fat people - don't make eye contact, just walk past...

b) If they do get hold of you, just say "sorry, I'm already committed to the caridees of my choice" and be done with it. Or ask them for a leaflet to "mull over" in your own time...then make an oragami peace crane with it...or something

budget_budd

Im liking the advice on here! Best way is to try and not get into conversation with them, don't worry they are used to it, and if all else fails I just tell them nothing personal but I don't like to give out my bank details to ANYONE on the street.

ahai1

You should also be aware that they are making a lot of money in commission as well.

lilac_lady

Ask how much the chugger earns if you want motivation to say no.