Real Life MMD: Friends won't sponsor me, should I say something?

SimonFin

If you asked me why I hadn`t sponsored you, I`d tell you it`s because I don`t want to. I give money to charity - charities of my choice, that do work I want to help. Just because you think that a charity to provide knitted hats to homeless dogs is worthwhile, doesn`t mean I care in the slightest about it.

I had a massive arguement with a co-worker once, who criticised me for not wearing a Poppy, saying it was disgusting that I wasn`t going to even put a pound in the tin. I told him that I give £10 a month every month to the RBL, so an extra quid here or there won`t help anyone. I don`t wear poppies for my own personal reasons, but when I asked him at the end of the season how much he`d raised, it was £100. So I pointed out that despite him calling me all the names under the Sun, I actually gave a lot more money to this charity than he did, but unlike him I didn`t boast about it infront of everyone.

I`ve now got everyone well trained - they know I don`t sponsor anyone for anything. If your mum has just died of breast cancer then very sorry, but that doesn`t mean I should give you £10 to run round a field to raise money for charity.

CarlyWarly

It is their prerogative as to whether they want to sponsor or not, there may be reasons for not sponsoring that they may not wish to share.

Regardless of whether they spend money on luxuries or not it is their choice and they have reason for doing so. Best keep well away unless you know them exceptionally well but it is felt that you do not otherwise you would not be on this forum to ask!

all the best!

milvusvestal

It rather depends upon what you will actually be doing to raise the money.

If it's something that merely reflects and recognizes personal achievement, such as a 20-mile walk, or a backpacking journey through the Andes, then I can understand the reluctance of your friends to donate. I wouldn't. After all, your own involvement is not really benefitting the chosen charity - it's the money you raise that does it.

On the other hand, if you're putting yourself out and doing something really worthwhile, such as giving your time and labour by helping redecorate the home of an elderly lady, then your efforts should be reward itself. In that case, I would be only too willing to sponsor you, and give a hand with the wallpaper and paint.

MoneySavingSoo

Like many of the posters, I feel SO strongly about this. (I have never posted on a MMD before!) No way should you be pressurising your friends to sponsor you. By all means ask them, but there should be no obligation.

I wonder if you've thought about whether you are upset that your friends aren't sponsoring you or supporting the charity? If this is all about personal gain, then perhaps you haven't understood the concept of charity?

spotit

I give to my own chosen charities and very occasionally sponsor people. Quite often I refuse as I find that the person asking for sponsorship is acually asking for sponsorship for taking part in somehing which is going to cost a lot of money and which he is going to enjoy very much at my expense. e.g. trekking through Africa to name but one. I much prefer to give my money straight to the charity.

pjran

I feel guilty when I don't sponsor a friend, a neighbour, someone's long lost nephew or a colleague.

Some people have great holidays especially when they agree to raise a certain amount. Why should I subsidise their holiday, eg Nile cycling, New York marathon etc.

Sorry if I have upset anyone butI feel this sponsorship malarkey is out of control.

I give to charities but do not broadcast it as a rule.

sedment

I wouldnt say anything. You have already asked and to be honest if you feel so strongly about it maybe you should dip into your own pocket and make a big donation in your own name??? Among a lot of other posters here, i get fed up of people shaking tins and putting charity bags throught the door from charities i have never heard of.
But the worst one i have had was save the children coming round at supper time, asking me to set up a direct debit with them. Both my children came to the door to see who was holding up their dinner, and the person saw them and started a speil about how children are dying if people like me dont set up direct debits. I choose to donate to charities by taking old clothes/books/shoes to the local shops and buy books from them. In all honesty its all i can afford, due to rising costs associated with school fundraising and im not going to be guilt tripped into anything!!!

neilpost

No.....

.. Seriously no.

:eek:Uber Judgemental.:eek:

gobunny_2

Regardless of the charity, I never give to anyone who asks to be sponsored for unproductive activities; that includes running, parachute jumps, climbing mountains etc. All good fun but useless in the scheme of things. Ask to be sponsored to pick up litter or volunteer in an old folk's home and I might consider it.

aligloo

No you shouldn't say anything- take the hint, and read the many other comments. Sponsored events are often a pain, especially if one already donates by DD to charities of choice anyway.