To think Great Ormond St et al. shouldn’t give the money back...

[coconuttella]

... from the President’s Dinner. Hundreds of thousands of pounds that could be used to support children now is presumably just going to sit in some bank account as it’s become toxic. How does that help anyone.

It’s a crazy world here virtue signalling is more important than children’s welfare!

It's in their charity policy that they won't accept donations from sources "that may harm the reputation of the hospital". They specifically list tobacco and weapons manufacturers and also things harmful to children's health, but it isn't just exclusive to those. Seems perfectly consistent with that policy not to accept money from this sort of event.

They cared for that poor baby way above and beyond the call of duty. The parents treated the hospital appallingly and dragged its name through the mud internationally.

^ agree completely.

I think GOSH did the right thing.

President's Club should split the money between Rape Crisis and Women's Aid.

I agree it would be a good use of the money if GOSH won’t accept it. But if it’s right for GOSH not to accept it, how can it be right for Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid to accept it?

I would have accepted the money, and then donated it to a women’s sexual abuse charity instead.

• not just GOSH but other charities too such as Evelina London Children's Hospital have refused money and even handing back monies paid previously.

Virtue signally gone mad imo

There was a similar thing a few years back where a well known pornographer had given money to a charity and the charity spokesman was on the Today programme clutching his pearls and saying they would have to give it back because it was "dirty money". On the same programme was a Salvation Army General and he interjected at that point and said "then give it to us, we'll wash it clean in the tears of gratitude from those we help".

Now that is a charity that knows how to do things properly.

It would be a clear acknowledgement that PC are notionally aware of the damage caused by the men they service. A shitload better than a 'sorry if you felt upset' bullshit apology.

Also because my local Rape Crisis is on it's knees because of funding cuts. 50k would make an immense difference to them right now. My counsellor cried when I gave them a £500 donation after nearly three years of support.

I'm sure there are other hospitals who deal with very sick children who would be glad of a miniscule percentage of the money that is thrown at GOSH.

Unless I'm missing a back story, what has that got to do with anything?
So what if they get a lot of money thrown at them? They're a children's hospital charity. I just want them to have lots of funds donated.
Should they get less just to make them in line with others who are less high profile and well known?!

OP It’s got nothing to do with “virtue signalling” have you read the posts from people saying GOSH have it written into their constitution who they are allowed to take money from? They may get into big trouble if they keep the money.

They cared for that poor baby way above and beyond the call of duty. The parents treated the hospital appallingly and dragged its name through the mud internationally

Didn't they just, remember Charlie's Army?

I have a friend who writes erotic fiction and sometimes runs a little bookselling stall at 'alternative' markets and events. She puts on a little tombola when she does these, raffling off old stock and donated items, and gives the proceeds to charity. One charity refused to accept the money on the grounds of not wanting to be associated with the likes of her, which I thought was both mean-spirited and stupid.

I agree with the Salvation Army's attitude. Rather than this keeping up appearances and PC stuff.

They may get into big trouble if they keep the money.

How on earth would they get into trouble from the Charity Commission? Are they really going to say. “GOSH -‘how dare you take this money to care for sick children... We’ll take away your charity status!”

Of course charities don’t want men exploiting women (or anyone else) in order to raise money for them!

I think accepting the money would be a pretty clear message that they think it's OK to raise money through the abuse of others. That while they might wring their hands if it gets in the press, if you'd like to do it then please go ahead and send them the check.

The Sally Ann is a fab charity.

I'm disappointed with the shut down of the presidents club. They should have been reformed, agreeing to accept women and pretend once a year that they are indeed gentlemen.

Coconut Ethics. Quite a big thing in medical circles.

How on earth would they get into trouble from the Charity Commission? Are they really going to say. “GOSH -‘how dare you take this money to care for sick children... We’ll take away your charity status!”

Erm, yeah. Or they could fine them. Lots of charities have received fines recently after their fundraising methods were deemed unethical, mainly wealth screening etc. I think BHF were fined around £50k for exactly that.

Charities have taken a hell of a lot of bad press over the past 3 or so years. It's crucial to rebuild trust between the charity and the public. I think that the charities who have returned donations from The Presidents Club did the right thing, although it must have been done with a heavy heart.

That money is basically the proceeds of prostitution. It’s absolutely right to refuse to accept it.

GOSH have to do what they think is best.

They shouldn't be put under pressure to keep or return the money by members of the public.

They have to adhere to standards and ethics and I feel quite sorry for them that they have been placed in this position by grubby, unethical men with no standards.

I would have liked to see the women who were employed at the event put forward their collective views on what should be done with the money.

Actually, the Charity Commission is more likely to slap down on returning money once it is given.

Prostitution? That word must have been redefined when I wasn't looking.

I think they have to, it is sort of tainted, and it draws a line under the whole scuzzy episode.