Is charity a waste of money?

Question

Because we have people at work bugging me every day for a pound and it gets on my nerves!

Answer 1

Look at he billions and billions that western donations have given to charity in Africa. Now look at the results, I am afraid to say that the result is negative. We should have fair trade practice with poor nation that helps

Answer 2

I believe that does get on your nerves. But it is not charity- those co-workers are exploiting you, abusing your kindness. The money you spend on 'real' charity - for the unfortunate fellow humans, is never a waste. In my country, you will find some blind people begging on the sidewalks. Most of them are putting on very dark sunglasses. I have found out that a very small number are not actually totally blind . I avoid and won't give a dime to them.Those in your work place should be treated as such,because they are just parasite.

Answer 3

I think charity is a great principle but one problem is this... we are, in part, picking up the pieces after developing countries pay off their interest to the banks.

In addition, some rogue states spend such a large proportion of their GDP on arms. We may as well be giving the money straight to the bank manager or arms dealer.

In tandem with giving to charity we should be lobbying for change . Charity aint just about finance u kno, words and influence are free ;)

Answer 4

It is illegal for people to harass you over charity donations, it is up to you who you give to and how much. At my work I upset a colleague over the same matter, she started this charity box system whereby every Christmas don't send each other cards we put money into this box apparently what we would have spent on the cards. I told her that if I wish to send cards I will and that misses the whole meaning of Christmas especially when she decides each year which charity it goes to. I told her that she was taking our choice away because she wouldn't tell us which charity it was going to until all the monies were in which is totally unethical anyway, you stick to your principles, it's hardly charity if you are co-erced into doing it is it?

Answer 5

Most charities - Red Cross, Oxfam, etc spend around 95p in every pound on "administration costs", air conditioned offices, air conditioned apertments and air conditioned landrovers.

All this "A goat will cost $30" is true - but what they do not tell you is that thanks to administration, until people have donated $600 there is not enough money to buy the goat - as they need $540 for administative costs.

So, yes if you see someone in need of a little money, give it if you can - knowing that ALL the money you gave is being used for the intended purposes - rather than just lining the administrative nests of massive internation charities.

Answer 6

Charity is not a waste of money as long as you contribute to your own backyard first. Many people contribute to third world countries and children that live thousands of miles from them instead of acknowledging the help that is needed right around the block.

Answer 7

Set aside an amount that you're willing to give, and give when you're asked. You'll find that it creates better relationships with your work colleagues, so the pound or two here or there is worth it. Once I started giving more money, I found that I started making a LOT more money: it's definitely worth it. And, hey, what goes around comes around: it's better to be able to give charity than have to ask to receive it.

Answer 8

Yes, it gets a bit much. At work, our HR department let a special team of charity 'chuggers' in the building, they showed up people who wouldn't sign up to monthly 'payroll giving' in front of their colleagues. Despite being from a well known and respected charity, they were eventually thrown out of the building with instructions no further 'chugger' teams would be allowed in.

Answer 9

Charities do get on your nerves just due to the sheer number that are asking for you money! Best to pick one and stick with it

Answer 10

Charity is more than money , it is tolerance ,sharing and feeling good for both the giver and the reciever. Tell them not to harrass you at work that you already support specific charities. If you do it because you want to you feel better about the whole thing.You can always say NO .