Among Friends

[PilatesLover]

Hate to say it but I'm done. I pledge for a friend who does a breast cancer walk, but do it more to support her mentally with her struggles concerning the disease. 

In the past I donated during disasters. There was one in Africa years ago, then it was reported that all the food rotted in the harbor because militias would not let it through. After 9-11 my whole office put up a pool of several thousand dollars for the local Red Cross, who we thought was actually going down to the City with supplies. Six months later the leader of it was arrested for embezzlement.

For a while I dontated to food drives. I would donate baby food and formula. Then I found out they sell the formula on the black market. Black market? For formula? Unbelievable, but true.

We had a big local fundraiser for a little boy who needed am operation. There were commercials on the local news, jars at all the checkout lines, etc. Sadly, the little boy died. Then it's in all the papers - the parents were arrested for using all the money on drugs!!!

Sorry for the rant. Now I donate to my favorite cause, to secure health care in my retirement. 

[Daysdee]

I don't like phone calls asking for donations or the supermarket or stores asking for you to donate when you pay for your purchases.  I have a few charities I donate to regularly.  Also, when someone calls and says they are a paid caller, that does it for me.  Means hardly anything is going to the charity.

[Alison Wonderland]

Yes! I always ask whenever any kind of fireman's fund or law enforcement group contacts me. They hire people to make those calls and they only tell you if you ask. Some have told me far less than 10% goes to the actual charity.

[Deanie]

@PilatesLover  I, too, see that so called "charities" are used to enrich those that fit into my definition of villains. Unfortunately, many of those cloak themselves with the appearance of virtue. Sad. Due diligence.