To have total compassion fatigue

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Whenever I see a local or global crisis hit it seems everyone around me starts to crochet.

This week my colleague was buying gifts to put in shelter box Christmas for Africa. Buying jewellery because 'they like things like that'
And plastic stuff and cosmetics which countries with no disposal system really don't need.

Someone else I know knitted about 100 blankets and teddies for a local women's refuge, lovely but the refuge have no idea what to do with the vast amount of stuff they get anyway

Someone else I know works in a children's hospice that is continually being inundated with sweets and toys.

This good hearted giving is lovely but it's not what people need.

IABU to cringe. I honestly can't cope with it. Give money, campaign, lobby, sign petitions, write letters, demonstrate, reach out but please stop fucking crocheting and sending tat to Africa.

Surely this has to be the fault of the charities who are not making it clear what people should be doing for the best?

I think food banks are always a good bet - the produce gets straight to people who need it without middleman admin fees.

And I speak from experience having a friend who is senior at UNICEF in Africa - they get huge donations from various countries and international organisations so your contributions would be tiny. Sorry if that's controversial.

Not controversial, reality.

Yes food banks.

Worra. Yes. It does seem that way.