Young People & Giving to Charity

[Ashley_Price]

So, as a Rotarian, our Club goes round the streets of Lewes during December (up to Christmas) collecting for charity. We have Father Christmas on his sleigh (on the back of a small lorry) and a car playing Christmas carols with a Tree on top.

Something like this you'd probably think young people wouldn't be interested in; certainly those in their early teens wouldn't want to be seen dead watching, let alone enjoying, seeing Santa, etc. Yet they seem to enter into the spirit of it, taking photos, yelling out "We love you Santa!" etc.

But the biggest thing is how generous young people are. Last night, a car pulled up next to me, and the driver and passenger were a young couple (early 20s at very most) and the female passenger stuck her hand through the window and said to me "Here you are!" and put £10 in my collection bucket!

Now, compare that to the (often older) people who hide behind their curtains, etc., or pretend they're not in when we go up to their doors. (Some are even more blatant and just stand watching through the window but don't come to the door when you knock.)

In fact, last year was the funniest yet. One of the Rotarians rang the doorbell a couple of times and got no answer. Just as he was about to leave a man came up the path and said "Oh, hang on, I'll just go in and get some money for you." He opened the door, to reveal his wife crouching down below window height in the hall!

It never ceases to amaze me how often it is the young who will put money in collection buckets when often older people tap their pockets and say "Oh, sorry, I've not got any money on me".

 

[Nuno]

Maybe it's because the oldies have beggared themselves bringing up the young and now are left with only humbugs.

 

[owas]

The big guy, came up our street the other night, about 8.45 which is pass the kids bedtime.
My wife got a little over excited shouted to my 4 year old lad, quick Santa is outside, he ran out and looked up in the sky looking for him, when he saw him at the end of the street, he ran down the road so fast, and then to see his little face light up, he was so happy to see Santa. Yet only us and next door were the only ones who came out to see him or give money. The elf's were even knocking doors. I gave a few quid, as I felt it must cost a bit to run this and all for a good cause, but to be honest if I didn't have young kids I doubt I would have bothered.

 

Do't know what age you are refering to when you say older people.

But many pensioners and people with young children are having a pretty rough time during this depression.

 

[trebor8]

Younger people probably feel more free spirited - live at home not burdened with worry on paying gas, electric, mortgage, etc etc with just a miserly pension to look forward to. When they grow up and have these responsibilities - I can imagine they'll think twice handing over a tenner.

It maybe some these 'older people' live on there own and don't see a sole all week, can you imagine how they may feel, if the only people that do call round are the ones who want money

 

[Ashley_Price]

It maybe some these 'older people' live on there own and don't see a sole all week, can you imagine how they may feel, if the only people that do call round are the ones who want money

From your phrasing, it seems that you assume I mean the elderly. I'm not talking about them. They too are often very generous and look forward to seeing us going round and have saved a few pennies for us.

I'm talking of those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.

I also don't expect everyone to put £10 in the bucket. I don't care whether it's 1p, 10p, £1 or £10. We don't even mind if we get given foreign coins (as they can be exchanged). Even a few coppers would be welcomed.

And 100% of the donations go to charity before people ask how much of the donation is spent on administration, wages, etc. (As Rotarians we pay a yearly subscription, so that's how admin, salaries, etc., etc., is all covered.)

 

[Ashley_Price]

The big guy, came up our street the other night, about 8.45 which is pass the kids bedtime.

Do you live in Lewes? We start about 6pm and it just depends on how many collectors we have as to how quickly we get round.

I gave a few quid, as I felt it must cost a bit to run this and all for a good cause, but to be honest if I didn't have young kids I doubt I would have bothered.

It doesn't cost too much to put on actually. All the Rotarians are volunteers. We get the lorry from a local firm who let us use it for free, so I think the biggest actual financial expense is the insurance, but this is covered by other Club finances. So your "few quid" as I mentioned in my last post will all go to charity.

 

[trebor8]

I'm talking of those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.

And 100% of the donations go to charity before people ask how much of the donation is spent on administration, wages, etc. (As Rotarians we pay a yearly subscription, so that's how admin, salaries, etc., etc., is all covered.)

The older you get the more cynical you get, I think

You should accept tho, regardless of age, some people just don't like (feel guilty) about saying sorry, but no to charity

 

[Ashley_Price]

You should accept tho, regardless of age, some people just don't like (feel guilty) about saying sorry, but no to charity

I accept people saying that - it's when they blatantly stand at the window watching (and sometimes even photographing or videoing) Father Christmas and the collectors going round, but won't come to the door to give a donation. Or, having videoed it, shut the door on the collector coming up their path (as happened to me once).

 

[owas]

I'm not in Lewes, I'm in a town full of sheep in North Wales.

 

[Gillie]

Have you thought that these older people ie 30's+ might actually be already giving? They could have a standing order or some such like so rather than be rude (in their eyes) and say no, they merely dont answer the door!

Just because someone doesn't give to your charity doesnt mean they dont give!!!

 

[Ashley_Price]

Have you thought that these older people ie 30's+ might actually be already giving? They could have a standing order or some such like so rather than be rude (in their eyes) and say no, they merely dont answer the door!

Just because someone doesn't give to your charity doesnt mean they dont give!!!

I understand that, but instead of leaving us standing on their doorstep freezing waiting for them to answer they could just pop their head out and let us know.

 

[SuitNTie]

Glad to hear you're doing something like this and that you've got the attention of young teens. More and more nowadays I find that these young teens are trying to do more and help more. Shines a lil light on humanity haha

 

[Ashley_Price]

Glad to hear you're doing something like this and that you've got the attention of young teens. More and more nowadays I find that these young teens are trying to do more and help more. Shines a lil light on humanity haha

You, of course, do get the one child who shouts "I don't believe in you!" They don't seem to get the irony that they are standing there shouting at something they don't believe in...

 

[Henry Osadzinski]

As someone who is probably just about clinging to the "young person" label (I'll be closer to 30 than 20 in a few months), I have to admit that I'm more likely to give to charity at certain times and especially more when prompted (unless it's by a charity-mugger but that's another rant entirely).

I agree with Gillie that one of the impressions I've always held is that, when I'm a bit older, I'd be more inclined to pick charities I want to actively support and set up something regular or at least plan for a slightly bigger contribution every year or so.

Still, if someone knocks on my door, I'll at least give them the time of day. I might peek out of the window first to check though...

 

[Ashley_Price]

Still, if someone knocks on my door, I'll at least give them the time of day. I might peek out of the window first to check though...

Always good to double check who's at the door before just opening it. Rotarians have high-visability tabards with the Rotary logo and name of the Club. Our collection buckets also have the same details. So you can't mistake us for anyone else.

In actual fact here's a video I did a couple of years ago giving more of an idea. See HERE

 

[Podge]

Now you see, it's the knocking on the door aspect I don't like.

Your arrival will be heralded by music and lots of HO Ho Hoing and if people want to give they will come to you. By knocking on doors you are taking away the choice as some people will feel they can't say no.

Hence hiding behind the curtains.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Psst Don't let the PPL know that Santa isn't paying for the licence to play Xmas carols from a car loud enough for people to hear.



Dodgy gits those chaps innit?

 

[JamieM]

Now you see, it's the knocking on the door aspect I don't like.

Your arrival will be heralded by music and lots of HO Ho Hoing and if people want to give they will come to you. By knocking on doors you are taking away the choice as some people will feel they can't say no.

Hence hiding behind the curtains.

I'm all for charity but I can't stand cold callers or those canvassing in the streets.

 

[Matt1959]

Now you see, it's the knocking on the door aspect I don't like.

Your arrival will be heralded by music and lots of HO Ho Hoing and if people want to give they will come to you. By knocking on doors you are taking away the choice as some people will feel they can't say no.

Hence hiding behind the curtains.

yes thats about it! How dare I react in a manner of my choosing when someone chooses to rap on my door to ask me for money

Re young people being more giving - they have more disposable cash.... witness pubs with younger clientle to see just how much they have!. Thats not to say older people dont have the cash also, its just they are preconditioned not to spend it

 

[FreelanceSoftwareDeveloper]

Now, compare that to the (often older) people who hide behind their curtains, etc., or pretend they're not in when we go up to their doors. (Some are even more blatant and just stand watching through the window but don't come to the door when you knock.)

I'm 31 and do this

Whether it's trick or treat, carol singers or charities, I object to people who I don't know knocking on my door and expecting me to give them something.

But then I don't even have any christmas decorations so I am a grumpy git