Children and sponsorship - where do you draw the line?

Marshmallow82

There are children in my street that ask for sponsorship for school events approx once a month. I looked on school website these events are genuine.

However there are no registered charities involved they just say it's for Africa or it's for the poor. I've tried to say no but they pull a sad face and tell me they will get in trouble from their teacher if they don't get over a certain amount. I've also tried not answering they just hold down the bell until I do. Yesterday I tried fobbing them off with a pound they told me "30's minimum".

I feel bad but I think I have to be strong and start saying no. I'm no scrooge but they could be pocketing for all I know

gunsandbanjos

Marshmallow82 wrote: »

There are children in my street that ask for sponsorship for school events approx once a month. I looked on school website these events are genuine.

However there are no registered charities involved they just say it's for Africa or it's for the poor. I've tried to say no but they pull a sad face and tell me they will get in trouble from their teacher if they don't get over a certain amount. I've also tried not answering they just hold down the bell until I do. Yesterday I tried fobbing them off with a pound they told me "30's minimum".

£30? Minimum? Are you serious? I'd tell them to take a hike.

jackieblack

Marshmallow82 wrote: »

There are children in my street that ask for sponsorship for school events approx once a month. I looked on school website these events are genuine.

However there are no registered charities involved they just say it's for Africa or it's for the poor. I've tried to say no but they pull a sad face and tell me they will get in trouble from their teacher if they don't get over a certain amount. I've also tried not answering they just hold down the bell until I do. Yesterday I tried fobbing them off with a pound they told me "30's minimum".

I feel bad but I think I have to be strong and start saying no. I'm no scrooge but they could be pocketing for all I know

I would contact the school.

Georgiegirl256

jackieblack wrote: »

I would contact the school.

Yes, me too.

£30 minimum? Surely by that they mean they have to get £30 minimum in total....not just off one person? :eek:

Do you know these kids or are they just going round all the houses in the neighbourhood?

Also, once a month seems very excessive too.

I'm sorry, but you're just just going to have to do what you say in your first post OP, and start saying no.

*Robin*

Marshmallow82 wrote: »

There are children in my street that ask for sponsorship for school events approx once a month. I looked on school website these events are genuine.

However there are no registered charities involved they just say it's for Africa or it's for the poor. I've tried to say no but they pull a sad face and tell me they will get in trouble from their teacher if they don't get over a certain amount. I've also tried not answering they just hold down the bell until I do. Yesterday I tried fobbing them off with a pound they told me "30's minimum".

I feel bad but I think I have to be strong and start saying no. I'm no scrooge but they could be pocketing for all I know

Seriously, these kids expect you to stump up £30 every month? :eek:

Has term already started where you are, Marshmallow? Another vote for contact the school.

jog

My children's schools have never set a minimum amount that children have to raise for sponsored events. The only time they have had to commit a specified amount is when they are going on a trip. My son was going to go on a trip to India at the end of 6th form, and he had to commit to pay a specified amount to cover the cost of the trip, they were encouraged to think of ways they could raise the money, and sponsored events was one of those, however, it was made clear that they were raising money to pay for a trip that they were going on.

As others have said, I would check with the schools concerned and complain if you are being made to feel uncomfortable.

The other approach to take with the children concerned is simply to say you have already given to your chosen charities.

duchy

Sounds like a bit of subtle extortion.
No one should feel they can't say no.

Buzzybee90

£30 :eek:

What on earth were they doing?

MothballsWallet

Sounds like these kids are going to grow up to be the next generation of politicians, bankers and CEOs...

I weep for humanity, now where's my local sterilisation clinic?

Marshmallow82

Yeah I should just say no, its cause the little one looks like he's gonna cry lol.

I think I might just email the school anonymously and ask if they're putting undue pressure on the kids

Money_maker

Suggest you speak to his parents about how is attempting to obtain large quantities of money from you. Seriously, if he is so young and little, why isn't a parent with him when he asks?

I suggest you practice the word 'no'. You are being done up like a kipper.