Beggars

[Peoplesoft bloke]

If I leave my Hotel and walk about the streets of our beloved capital I am accosted at least once a night by someone begging for cash. I have decided not to give anyone any cash any more (I started this policy about a year ago after years of random giving). However, once asked I always feel guilty about declining, however if I really cared I could devote time and or money to homeless charities - but I don't. What do other panel members living or working in our fab capital (or indeed other places where they are regularly approached by beggars) do? Anyone give cash?

[EternalOptimist]

It's a bit like Christians.
If you REALLY believed, you would either top yourself so you could meet him asap
or you would sell your car and buy a donkey and give everything else away.

A lot of this stuff is guilt-aversion therapy

[DiscoStu]

If I leave my Hotel and walk about the streets of our beloved capital I am accosted at least once a night by someone begging for cash. I have decided not to give anyone any cash any more (I started this policy about a year ago after years of random giving). However, once asked I always feel guilty about declining, however if I really cared I could devote time and or money to homeless charities - but I don't. What do other panel members living or working in our fab capital (or indeed other places where they are regularly approached by beggars) do? Anyone give cash?

You might as well give it straight to the local off-licence/crack dealer.

[jmo21]

i usually don't give to beggars, the main reason being they'll usually just spend it on booze or drugs

prefer to donate to charity, though it's usually Cancer Research not homeless charities, or to mate's who are doing sponsored runs etc

probably don't donate as much as i should right enough

[scooby]

if you want to give, buy them a butty and a brew. dont give cash.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

I know it'd likely end up being spent on crack or drugs (as I did when I used to give), but in a way, who am I to dictate what it gets spent on?

[d000hg]

if you want to give, buy them a butty and a brew. dont give cash.

I agree.

[d000hg]

It's a bit like Christians.
If you REALLY believed, you would either top yourself so you could meet him asap
or you would sell your car and buy a donkey and give everything else away.

Nice line. Unscriptural though... why do I have to get a donkey though, they're pretty expensive and hard to cater for in the city centre?

[BrilloPad]

I only ever buy the big issue to assist. At least I feel they have "worked" for it and are trying to make progress in life.

I believe a very high percentage of homeless men lost everything in their divorce.....

[cailin maith]

I buy the Big Issue too - Although..... I have been buying it off the same guy for about 4 years, I thought the idea was that it gave them a step towards rebuilding their life? Not sure though...