I really want people to stop asking me to sponsor them

[BigFatCushion]

It's getting ridiculous and embarrassing in equal measures.

This week I've been asked to sponsor a swim, 2 bike rides, a bounce and buy raffle tickets.

At work (on paper) I'm one of the higher paid people but in practice we're very short of cash.

I smile, look people in the eye and say 'You're the x person that has asked me this week, and I'm sorry I just can't do it, but best of luck to you'.

But I really just want people to stop asking. What do others do?

Oh BTW - we do give 'goods' to charity shops (not crap), so we do still 'give'!

[Idreamof]

Totally agree, very embarassing when cash is spare.
Sometime I give a pound and say sorry this is all we can afford, they don't believe it of course, but still take it. If everyone gave a pound, I think....
Sometime I refuse point blank and feel bad, but I just can't. Who will be around to sponsor my DCs food, our bills, etc. if we need it I wonder?
Money is just not sloshing around anymore, not for everone anyway, I am sure raising funds for good causes is not what it used to be.
We still give stuff, for fetes, to charity shops, and not crap, so we do our bit, within our means.

[BigFatCushion]

Thing is, some of the stuff is umm quite easy really. My DCs were part of a sponsored toddle. They are way to young to know about the element of 'achievement'. The charity is a good cause (aren't they all though), and I did put some money in, but no way was I going to waft that around asking other people.

[boringnamechange]

I hate having to ask for sponsorship for things and is reason why I don't. I hate asking for things in general and with the kids only ask family. I feel I have to sponsor people at work (as a boss) and also chip in for leavers presents but like the op even though I'm the boss and paid more money is very tight

[Cabrinha]

Long before this recession took hold, I worked for a company who had a policy that any work based funding raising request had to be agreed by HR, and no sponsorship forms were allowed. They were actually a very generous company, frequently matching amounts raised - but they didn't want people on the spot of being asked for money.
Could you discuss this at work?
It would be a shame to ban sponsorship altogether - after all, it IS for good causes. But even a rule like no direct requests, all forms to be pinned to specific notice board might help.
It's also something that you can propose on behalf of everyone, as so many are struggling - rather than being about you specifically.

[shrimponastick]

And everything seems to come at once doesn't it?

DS has had sponsored evetns at school and scouts recently. I have done a half marathon for charity.

I don't go to work, so have to just ask familiy and friends. They have started giving a resigned.. okayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay..

[shrimponastick]

Hijacking thread:

Someone has requested that I sponsor them for an event.

I requested they sponsor me for a recent event - but they didn't.

Should I give to their charity???

[BigFatCushion]

Some of the events are amazing... London marathon.... Half marathon in aid of a bereaved children's charity (friend has recently lost her daughter to SIDS). So worthwhile, but I just cannot say yes to everything. I find the hardest the ones that are so close to people's hearts because it feels like when I say no I'm disrespecting their grief/illness etc.

That's really interesting about the workplace policy.

Shrimp, it doesn't just seem to all come at once, it just never stops IYKWIM. I honestly can't believe how often I'm asked. I've been asked twice more since posting the original OP.

[BigFatCushion]

Oh and what was the original reason for person turning you down?

Is the charity one you'd support?

[shrimponastick]

bigfatcushion They didn't refuse, just didn't reply to my link for Just giving page.

I could do the same as the request was by text.