About "penny for the guy"?

[Topaz25]

I was walking my dog earlier and there was a group of children and teens asking for change outside the local shops with a guy (as in guy fawkes). I know "penny for the guy" is traditional but I don't think it's a good idea to let children beg on street corners and approach strangers for money these days, especially as we live in a bad area. I felt a bit intimidated when a bunch of them rushed up to me asking for money and I was worried because my dog is a rescue and quite nervous of strangers. I didn't even realise why they were asking for money until I went past and saw the guy, I thought they were just begging! Also it's a bit early as it's a bonfire night tradition and that's not for weeks yet! AIBU to think they were being a bit cheeky?

YANBU

It's far too early, and they shouldn't be approaching people for money

I think it's only appropriate actually around Guy Fawke's night and when it's for a good cause, that's just my honest opinion though as I wouldn't want my child to be basically begging!

If it's a good Guy I chuck them £1, but they've got to have put the effort in. And it is a bit early yet, but it does fit in with the strange atmosphere of the nights drawing in and Hallowe'en.

YANBU - I hate it. It can be intimidating and I'm neither frail nor elderly. And they put less than the absolute minimum effort into the 'guy' these days - usually just a pound shop mask on an inflated balloon or something equally poor. I don't give to them I'm afraid - I can't get over the assumption that these are probably the kids letting them off in the streets at inappropriate times.

Bit early and they shouldn't be running up to you but it doesn't bother me. Kids have been doing it for decades.

YANBU OP. Do any of you also get children stopping you in the street because they're raising money 'for charity' and when you ask which one they obviously haven't got a clue?!

Too early, but such fun for the children.
I remember when we did this in the early fifties, and got so excited. If there's a group of them they shouldn't be in any danger.
I'd give them a 50p. (Can't afford £1!)

I pay em if the guy is a good one. I have to have a right good critique of it though, and if they have just stuffed an old shirt with a cushion and stuck a balloon on top, I mock them mercilessly and keep my pennies.

YANBU. Hate it too, although not quite as much as trick or treat
I'd be tempted to say I'll only give them money if they can recite the Gunpowder Treason rhyme, tell me what year the gunpowder plot was, the names of the other conspirators, and spell Guy Fawkes perfectly. That'll probably weed most of them out

I remember one bunch of kids many years ago. Thought this is a good guy-might actually give them summat. Guy then moved and started crying. It was baby brother. Mum approached from up the road screaming blue murder.

I haven't seen kids doing penny for the guy for years. I'd give them a quid if I saw any.

Used to do it every year as a kid. Then chuck the guy on the big bonfire on the local Reccy. Which we also built by knocking on doors and asking for old wood and furniture.

No 'elf and safety in the 60s/70s

There are a number of guys attached to railings/lampposts/trees round here...all dressed up as doctors/nurses/paramedics etc with notices attached about saving local hospital services. Best guys I've seen in years!