Jellybee - I thought it was rather grabby when the fundraising page ignored all suggestions of how to get some of the couple's clothes and other necessary items out to them (air freight, paid for by the fundraising - I'd have had no problem with that, or people offering to take out a case or two of clothes for them). It smacked to me of wanting to go and buy all new stuff, with the money raised, when there were other, cheaper options available.
I would have had no problem with people raising funds to pay the medical bills if the insurers had refused to pay up. I would have no problems with the money raised going to pay essential bills back in the UK, whilst the parents were stranded in NY - as long as it was made abundantly clear on the fundraising page that that's what the money was going to be spent on.
But as I said earlier on this thread, I do not think there is any openness and transparency about how this money is being spent. If I were in this situation, and someone was very kindly raising money for me, I would make sure I kept good records of what was spent, and I would be willing to make those public, so everyone could see I had spent the money on the things it was raised for.
As it is, there are stories of them buying new white goods etc for their home - I don't think that is a reasonable use of the money, if that is what has happened.
I'd also be interested to know if you think it was right that one person, who asked for their donation back so they could send it straight to Ronald McDonald House, apparently got threats and abuse on the FB page?
"As soon as one person requested their money be refunded they were subjected to horrendous abuse, their personal FB page was posted, details of their employer posted and threats made to them. Thereby quickly stifling anyone else asking for a refund."