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Feeling guilty for not signing up to a charity today

6 replies

Paul2023 · 20/05/2023 22:41

So today I was in town looking around a market with my family and there was a Wildlife Trust van parked up with a man looking for members. This is a local wildlife charity for my county.
Anyway, he managed to get my attention and I didn’t want to be rude so stopped and was going to politely say I didn’t have time.

However dear daughter aged 8 was stood next to me and within a few seconds he asked if she wanted to see a magic trick, of course she said she did. The membership man, then did his magic trick, and afterwards asked dear daughter to pick a sticker.

The man then did the spiel about what this local wildlife trust does and how valuable members are to support it. He said that we would get a welcome pack, followed by magazines about wildlife and the projects they do.
He said there was no set amount you’d have to pay to be a member but showed me some prices, starting at around £5 a month.

At the end I just politely said I already contributed to some wildlife charities and that I’d rather have a think about it and maybe join online another time.

Dear daughter looked slightly disappointed, as she wanted to get the welcome back with the animal leaflets and magazine.

I just felt guilty walking away, maybe I should have just joined for a month and cancelled a few weeks later? I just feel a bit mean after listening to the man talking to my daughter and showing her a magic trick,for me not to give the charity anything.

Its just I don’t usually like signing up to things in the high street without having time to think about what I’m doing in the comfort of my own home.

Was I rude not signing up ? I fully acknowledge that the wildlife trusts to great things for wildlife preservation, and that they rely on members.

OP posts:
WimpoleHat · 20/05/2023 22:47

Its just I don’t usually like signing up to things in the high street without having time to think about what I’m doing in the comfort of my own home.

Which is perfectly reasonable! I won’t engage at all with the “chuggers” now, even if it means being a bit rude if they get pushy. Plus - are you sure that he’s a volunteer? Many of these people are actually getting paid to accost you….

Essexsoup · 20/05/2023 22:49

Not rude at all. You were perfectly polite I imagine?
I personally don’t believe in donating to big charities. I prefer to give closer to home, where I can see a real difference being made.
you could find ways to get your daughter involved in protecting wildlife round where you live. Make bird feeders, plant flowers for pollinators, avoid using pesticides for your garden…etc. More interesting for her and gives her more awareness than handing over your money for some marketing bumph.

BadLad · 20/05/2023 22:49

Was I rude not signing up ?

Christ, no.

GladysHeeler · 20/05/2023 22:51

I honestly don't get this. Why should you feel any guilt about not making a decision about donating to a charity on the spur of the moment in the middle of the street?

I'd have been annoyed that some bloke was manipulating my child in order to get money from me. He will probably be getting a percentage of what he brings in, that's how it works.

Paul2023 · 20/05/2023 22:53

The man probably gets paid.I assume he’s a paid employee anyway. He had a stand set up next to his work van. The charity is the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
I just happened to be giving my other child, who’s two a snack in his buggy. It was then that the man started talking to me, as I was stood next to him.

OP posts:
user1471453601 · 20/05/2023 22:56

Wait until you reach 60 years old. I was inundated with charity letters. I felt so bad ignorning them, I decided to choose a number of charities to donate to, and that seemed to give me choice to.ignore the others - I still felt some guilt though

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