Some GoFundMe campaigns

[SingingInTheRainstorm]

Don't get me wrong some really are life changing, but I find myself flicking through some thinking, you're being a bit cheeky there.

I know people will come back with the guy who raised a fortune off the guise of making a potato salad, but this isn't a regular thing.

Where would you draw the line at donating? Is there anything you won't donate to?

I do have a specific example which didn't make sense, a woman who wanted to go private to find out something that her GP could do in a blood test. But there was this extra layer that would have to be private, but the whole idea from A-Z would cost a hell of a lot more than being requested.

I will only donate to causes through registered charities so I know the money is being regulated and distributed appropriately.

I don't agree with this new trend of as soon as something goes wrong in life, quick, set up a crowdfunding page. Bad things happen to good people, but it doesn't always mean needing large amounts of cash (and it's always large amounts!). I saw one where the wife was in hospital with a broken leg for a few weeks, and they wanted money for a housekeeper and take away food while she was in hospital ($10,000 worth!). People now expect money when something goes wrong, whereas previously, neighbours and family would have dropped around a casserole.

The most ridiculous ones I've seen lately were a woman wanting money to take her dog to America for a dog diving competition, and another wanted to take her dog to Crufts (from the US). Then I saw one the other day that wanted $150,000 to bring a team of vet specialists out from Japan to perform surgery on her dog. I get fed up with people asking for vet fees. That's what pet insurance is for.

I tend to donate to the ones where there is a person in need of life saving treatment that is available in another country and they need to pay for it themselves. In their position, I hope that people would help me out. However, there was one family who tried to raise money for a dream holiday. I didn't donate to that despite them being friends of mine. I thought it was hugely cheeky to be honest.

If someone just lost everything to a fire, or have been uprooted by tragedy, I would like to help. But if someone needs something non-essential (or even essential) and is still going out twice a week, getting Starbucks every day, paying for salon/spa, and smoking, no. Quit the luxuries to afford your essentials. Especially if they're essential for your kids. Their school trips are more important than your coffee!

A Facebook friend started a well-meaning but mind-boggling one. He wanted money for his wife so she could quit work. He had calculated the amount that they would need for her to quit her job so she wouldn't have to work, for the reason that she is a great wife and mother and he didn't want her to have to work another day. I would also like to quit my job and am an acceptable wife and mother, but no such fundraiser was set up for me.

They are lovely people but it was embarrassing to see him share this campaign and not one donation was made.

Wow, I thought the house buying one I posted above was boggling, until I read about the woman who wanted Japanese vets and the man who thought his wife should be paid to stay at home!!

Incredible.

I actually just donated to a friend of a friend who needs $150k to go to the US for treatment. He's got two very small children. A dog needing surgery? Sorry, but fuck that.