AIBU?
To think two separate collections should be organised
Daisywellies · 14/07/2015 11:48
Two colleagues have recently had babies. Someone has just decided that we will do one collection and split the money and has already put the collection in motion. I am much closer to one of the new mothers than the other (who I barely know) and would prefer to give different amounts to each collection.
AIBU to wish that we could have two separate collections.
I know it's a first world problem and not that important but just interested in views.
Daisywellies · 14/07/2015 12:33
In fairness, I don't think there'd be that obvious a difference in the collections. Most people would probably give a similar amount to each but some people would be closer to one colleague than another and prefer a bit of discretion regarding the amount they give to each collection.
Anyhow, will perhaps just buy something small myself for the closer colleague and just give a normal amount to be split between the two communal presents.
FeelingSmurfy · 14/07/2015 12:33
I think it's the right thing to do, would be awful if two collections so close together raised totally different amounts. The one with less would be really upset and the one with more would feel really guilty, taking the shine off the moment for both of them
In your situation I would put 2 X the amount you would give to the one you don't know/like as much and buy the one you know better / get on better with an additional little gift or voucher. Your friend would probably prefer that as it has come directly from her friend
FeelingSmurfy · 14/07/2015 12:36
If you are struggling with £ (as most people are now) one collection would be better as you may feel you have to give at least X amount to every collection, and you only have to do that once rather than twice, not everyone will give double the amount because its being split
Nurserywindow · 14/07/2015 13:28
Somebody did this recently where I work in relation to two people retiring. It annoyed a lot of people as some of us had worked very closely with one of the people and barely knew the other, and vice versa.
I don't like to feel forced to contribute fairly generously to a present for someone I barely nod to in the corridor, or to feel that I can't give a decent amount to someone I really like and respect without half of it being donated to someone else's gift.
In relation to a baby present it probably wouldn't bother me as much, but it is a bit presumptuous to just assume you can split everyone's donation 50:50.
TTWK · 14/07/2015 13:44
Wouldn't it be horrible if you had two and new mum 1 raised £150 but new mum 2 £20?
Not at all. There would be a reason for the huge disparity, probably because new mum 1 was nice and new mum 2 wasn't. Serves her right. You reap what you sew.
I've been known to empty my hole punch machine into a collection envelope for some twat I loathed. Immature I know, but it made me feel better!
Nurserywindow · 14/07/2015 14:03
It's also assuming that people want to give to both collections whereas some of them might prefer to say 'well I don't really know Sarah so I'll just give to Laura's collection'.
It's not really a big deal, and doing collections are a faff so it definitely saves a bit of bother, but I can see how it could annoy people if there was a big difference in the relationship they had with one colleague over another.
TTWK · 14/07/2015 14:15
And another reason might be simply that one had been there longer than the other and had formed more bonds with people. How does "reaping what you sow" work there?
I wouldn't be upset at all to receive less in a collection than someone else who had been there far longer. It's perfectly understandable.
Nurserywindow · 14/07/2015 14:22
I don't see how they'd know either. Presumably the presents will be given at different times or posted out to the receipients at home. So unless they compare, which I can't imagine they would, how would they know that one person got two outfits for their baby that cost £50 while the other only got one outfit that cost £22?
MissPenelopeLumawoo2 · 14/07/2015 14:25
Wouldn't it be horrible if you had two and new mum 1 raised £150 but new mum 2 £20?
Not at all. There would be a reason for the huge disparity, probably because new mum 1 was nice and new mum 2 wasn't. Serves her right. You reap what you sew.
But what if one of them worked in a large team so came into contact with more people, but the other one worked in a smaller team of say three or four? It maybe that they are lovely, but just do not have the opportunity to meet lots of other colleagues. I don't think you can assume it is because they were not nice!
SylvanianCaliphate · 14/07/2015 14:49
I think that whatever the reason you would give more to one is it shouldn't tarnish the thought and spirit of a collection.
If you don't like or have a grudge then don't give at all and buy a small individual gift.
It's a work collection, pia but one of those things. Not an opportunity to grind axes or popularity.
Maybe I'm thinking too much like 'if you don't have enough for all then no one has any'
If, for whatever reason one mum finds out the other got more it would be cruel and a bit spiteful imo.
Nurserywindow · 14/07/2015 15:26
I don't think it's got anything about bearing grudges sylvanian. I know I have a standard amount that I give to most collections. For people I'm particularly close to or who I feel I owe a lot to, I will up that amount (sometimes considerably). For someone that I don't know very well but feel pressurised into giving to their collection, I might give slightly less.
I don't think there's anything spiteful about that.
GoblinLittleOwl · 14/07/2015 17:47
If it bothers you so much, have two separate collections, just as long as you are prepared to organize them yourself. Then you will find out how much fun it is, getting people to contribute to one collection, let alone two, and finding appropriate presents.
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