Collecting funds for deceased Neighbour [Edited by MNHQ at OP'S request]

[Pinky1952]

AIBU to be reluctant to contribute to a collection for someone's child. I live with my hubby in an apartment block consisting of 66 private flats. The ages vary but most are older people with no children. There are one or two younger people but single. One young man aged 29 has been found dead in his flat which is very sad. Apparently he has a young son who doesn't live with him. We didn't know the young man. There have been many people passing in the flats but there have never been any collections before. Now on Saturday one of the residents committee members is coming round all the flats for a donation to go towards his child. I know a lot of people like to donate to charity and that's their choice but previous experience with my hubby and I make us reluctant to donate to anything. I feel uncomfortable about answering the door only to refuse. What are your thoughts?

I can't believe 52 people gave their time in writing posts on this thread rather than the OP just bunging a fiver into the kitty!

Are you worried that if you don't donate that you'll be talked about amongst other residents?

@CallMeCleo

I can't believe 52 people gave their time in writing posts on this thread rather than the OP just bunging a fiver into the kitty!

Are you one of the 52?!

This current trend of endlessly fundraising / crowdfunding etc for everything is just too much. I wouldn't answer the door. Why should you feel strongarmed to donate money to the family of someone you didn't know just because he lived near you? For all you know the family may be very well-off and have no need for any donations.

I think it's completely inappropriate to come door to door in this way.

@Grenlei

This current trend of endlessly fundraising / crowdfunding etc for everything is just too much. I wouldn't answer the door. Why should you feel strongarmed to donate money to the family of someone you didn't know just because he lived near you? For all you know the family may be very well-off and have no need for any donations.

I think it's completely inappropriate to come door to door in this way.

It's traditional in some communities, usually those where people aren’t well off and the cost of a funeral is a financial drain. There’s nothing new about it.

Perhaps it might happen in some places, but having grown up in a relatively deprived area in council housing it definitely didn't happen back then. And I don't think theres anything in the OPs post to suggest this is a cultural norm in her area, quite the opposite.

Funerals can be expensive depending on what arrangements you make. However there's no suggestion this person's family cannot afford a funeral and are in need of financial support.