NC as the person in question knows I’m on here. She’s sent me a JustGiving link for a charity fund raiser she’s planning, which is an adventurous trek in an exotic location overseas. The target amount she’s aiming for is shown, but there’s nothing to explain if she’s paying her own expenses (all the money raised going to charity) or if her expenses come out of the sum raised. She isn’t a close friend and I don’t want to ask her how it’s being funded in case that makes me look really mean/nosey. However I looked up the particular trek and the amount they ask you to raise for a ‘sponsored’ trip matches her target … half the money raised pays for the trip, and half goes to the charity … so I assume that’s what she’s doing (though I am not certain). The suggested target for a ‘self funded’ trip is half of what she’s asking for.
AIBU to feel a bit reticent about supporting this ? I understand the bigger picture … presumably lots of charities raise lots more money as a result of people doing this. But on the other hand shouldn’t it be made clear that half the money you’re giving goes to fund what I would consider to be an incredible holiday if I could afford it ? There are two things about this that irk me … not providing clarity on how the expenses are funded, and also choosing a really expensive, exciting, exotic way of raising money, not dissimilar to a wonderful holiday, rather that e.g a few laps round the local park, giving up booze for a spell etc.
I’m minded to get round this by giving a donation directly to the charity and tell her I did so to avoid some of it being used by JustGiving for their fees (she will have to train to increase her fitness and I admire that, and I also like the charity). But am I missing something with these types of request … what do other people do ? Should I be happy to pay part of their expenses and be glad they’re having a hopefully wonderful experience ? Or am I just being mean minded ?