Giving money to charity?

[anmajornarthainig]

A thought here, would be interested in what people think.

I was collecting money for a health charity in a supermarket yesterday in Dublin. A huge proportion of those who gave money were women approaching or in pension years. I would say the next highest proportion were foreign men in their twenties (particularly eastern europeans) (not one foreign woman gave money). The amount of foreign men who gave money was a lot higher proportionally than those who passed by and a lot, lot higher than Irishmen of a similar age.

Leaving aside the disturbing scenario that there is something about my face that is inherently repulsive to foreign women but inherently attractive to foreign men are there Ny particular theories why this would be so?

Personally speaking I would be much less inclined to give money to a charity in a foreign country that was wealthier than my own.

[Kev408]

Eastern Europeans are renowned for their kindness. Maybe it's because they know what its like to have nothing. I have opinions on why the women won't help charity but I won't state them here! (just kidding).

[anmajornarthainig]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I`ve found eastern europeans very hospitable when travelling but was very impressed yesterday. There is a difference between hospitality and generousity when it comes to money as well. Would be interested in finding any theories on foreign women, is it because I`m a fella, an economic issue etc.?

[L'Chaim]

I'd give money to someone who was homeless and begging. I wouldn't give a cent to a charity collecting in a supermarket who will have someone pack my bags in the hope of getting a donation. I can pack my own bags thank you very much. It's a strange thing I have, but I have no problem giving to someone who is collecting for himself or herself (whether they spend it on drink or drugs or on food and shelter, I don't mind). I wouldn't give a cent to anyone collecting for a charity. I know that might sound odd, but that's what I do.

[anmajornarthainig]

Wasn`t packing bags as it happens, we were outside the door. kind of agree with you there, there is an element of compulsion in somebody taking your groceries and sticking them in a bag, that I`m not comfortable with. At the same time I disagree with you completely on giving money and not caring what happens to it. Personally I never give money to anybody begging on the street. I have a standing order in my account and I give a small amount once a month to a homeless charity.

I don`t tend to give money to anybody who is being paid for it either (which I wasn`t yesterday and was wearing a badge saying as much).