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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Crowdfunding for a new car? Seriously?!

92 replies

iammargesimpson · 28/08/2017 11:35

So an acquaintance of mine 's car died and a crowdfunding page has been set up to buy her a new one...I'm gobsmacked!! She doesn't work, has two primary school-age children, lone parent. Now I understand what it's like when you're faced with sudden and very large expenses (my car died suddenly about a year ago) but crowdfunding for a new car?! Has the world gone mad or am I alone in thinking this is just??? Words fail me they really do

OP posts:

thatdearoctopus · 28/08/2017 11:38

Well, I suppose it's up to those being asked to contribute. If they think it's an appalling idea (which I do, for the record), they won't donate.

There was one in the press recently, with a young single mother asking for funds to take her two children to DisneyWorld. That's the Florida one, not a 3 day break in Paris. Not sure if it worked out though.

Redglitter · 28/08/2017 11:39

I sincerely hope no one donates.

HerRoyalFattyness · 28/08/2017 11:39

Oh. OK.
Does this mean I can set up a crowdfund so I can go on holiday? I haven't been on holiday since I was 5 or 6. So 20 years or so. Surely that's a good enough sob story?

Seriously. Some people are weird. And if people actually donate, then more fool them.

ImperialBlether · 28/08/2017 11:39

Hmmm my car's getting a bit old...

felicitychambers · 28/08/2017 11:42

It can be incredibly difficult though as a lone parent particularly if you rely on your car.

I need my car to get DCs to various hospital and medical appointments, and obviously school. I wouldn't go to crowdfunding if this happened but can see that if you were desperate/little family/no savings or bad credit to get a lone that this could be an option.

If you don't want to donate, then don't.

Threenme · 28/08/2017 11:43

Who cares! You don't have to donate!

Appuskidu · 28/08/2017 11:43

Blimey-has anyone contributed?!

orlantina · 28/08/2017 11:44

If you don't want to donate, then don't

Pretty much this.

Did the person set up the crowd funding themselves or was it set up for her?

Ttbb · 28/08/2017 11:46

Some people have no shame.

SleepFreeZone · 28/08/2017 11:48

Crowd funding isn't just for charity though is it? It's for anything.

Foxtrot92 · 28/08/2017 11:49

I can see why they've done it. They may not be seeking funds from strangers rather setting up a page so family friends who want to help can and it's all in one place. It could soon be her birthday and instead of asking for gifts or cash in card she could just say put it in my just giving fund.

LizzieMacQueen · 28/08/2017 11:53

I'd worry that it would attract a few pervy types who'll want something in exchange.

Serialweightwatcher · 28/08/2017 11:57

Just looked up the mother who did it for Disney World and she got over £7K and is going next summer ... I think it's completely rude but if idiots fall for it, then I suppose they are as much at fault too

ImperialBlether · 28/08/2017 11:58

Here's one - he hasn't raised a penny yet:

I am aiming to set up a caravan park at the age of 23 and then retire by 30 living off the profits.

Aeroflotgirl · 28/08/2017 12:02

Perfectly up to them to ask, as long as they are honest and don't use a fake illness or disability to reel people in. Its up to people to donate if they want. I don't agree with this, but if you don't ask, you don't get they say.

Originalfoogirl · 28/08/2017 12:04

She doesn't work? Wow, shocking, how dare she look for help from people.

Presumably if she was to use a food bank, it would be ok to take that kind of charity? Or if she needed to go to Sally Army or whoever to get clothes? Is she allowed to do that? Or is there a level of "deserving poor" you would want her to reach before doing that?

I'm not sure if I would generally make a donation, I guess it would depend on a dozen different things, but I'm not about to judge a mum for doing what she thinks is best. And worse still, if i know absolutely nothing about her other than "she is single with two children and doesn't work" Maybe she can't, maybe she tried to get work but no-one will give her the hours she needs so she can care for two children, maybe she has no childcare available, maybe they have ASN in which case childcare is virtually impossible to find.

If you don't want to donate, then don't. Why does it matter to you if others do? If she is comfortable asking people to donate, that's up to her.

ImperialBlether · 28/08/2017 12:06

Blimey, just been reading Crowdfunding - so many requests for cars!

isittheholidaysyet · 28/08/2017 12:09

Worth a try.
Why not?
No-one has to donate.

user1490465531 · 28/08/2017 12:10

love the fact the first thing you mention is that she's a lone parent that doesn't work.

indulgentberries · 28/08/2017 12:12

It's crazy yes, but the system is there and there will always be some chancer who tries it on I can't blame them for trying.

WhamBarsArentAsFizzyAsTheyWere · 28/08/2017 12:13

I couldn't get worked up about this.

It's the modern day equivalent of mates clubbing together for a friend who's going through a tough time.

No harm in asking as long as she doesn't get pissy with people who don't donate.

User5Million · 28/08/2017 12:16

I genuinely don't understand why people get pissed off over stuff like this. It's crowdfunding, she is utilising it in the way it is intended.
Don't like it, don't donate.

TroelsLovesSquinkies · 28/08/2017 12:17

Grabby fucker.
Car broke catch the bus, the world doesn't owe anyone anything.
No one said life was fair.

User5Million · 28/08/2017 12:21

No, no one is owed anything Troe, but having been a single parent who's only means to get around was public transport, I can tell you both mine and DC's quality of life is far, far better now we have our own car and I can't fault anyone for wanting that for themselves.
How exactly does using a crowdfunding website - she's not gone begging to family, has she? It's relying on the kindness of strangers - make someone a 'grabby fucker'?

Original poster

iammargesimpson · 28/08/2017 12:23

The reason I put in her working situation is for context. I wonder would some of the replies be different if she was working?! She didn't set up the page herself, apparently she didn't know about it.
Anyway I agree completely it's up to whoever who wants to donate to do just that, I won't be.

My washing machine is on its last legs...

OP posts:

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