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Original poster

Just wondering if Mumsnet could have a charitable fund that we could use for Mumsnetters in need?

52 replies

Rhubarb · 16/08/2007 15:36

I've been reading about people wanting to do something for misdee, and then I saw onlyjoking's thread about her dh and the limited time he has.

I'm sure there are others who are also having a really bad time. So just wondered about having a general fund whereby we could nominate other Mumsnetters to benefit from?

Not sure how it would all happen though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Rhubarb · 16/08/2007 15:40

?

OP posts:
SleeplessInTheStaceym11House · 16/08/2007 15:41

i have a feeling this has been thought of before but there were problems with who would do nominating/if people decided to try and benefit through sob stories etc....

it is a lovely idea but i think we'd have to make our own arrangements re: helping people out each situation at a time!

Kathyis6incheshigh · 16/08/2007 15:42

Hmm, mulling it over.
I suppose what I like about the way it tends to work at the moment is that it's a personal decision whether to donate in a particular situation. So when one of those people you always get pops up and says 'why are you giving it to them, other people need it more' you can just say to them 'well you don't have to donate'. Whereas if it was a centralised fund, there would have to be a group decision about whether to give money in each particular case, and it might be harder for donors to earmark their money for particular cases. Does that make sense or am I talking rubbish?

berolina · 16/08/2007 15:43

IIRC this was discussed at the time of the Christmas appeal and the consensus was no, for reasons already mentioned?

Original poster
Rhubarb · 16/08/2007 15:44

I guess so.

I know onlyjoking hasn't asked for anything but I do wish I could just nominate her and her family for something.

OP posts:
FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 16:52

Message withdrawn

nailpolish · 16/08/2007 16:54

would it not be a bit patronising?

might even split mn into camps of donators and receivers. and those who are neither, if im honest

worst case scenario, obv

expatinscotland · 16/08/2007 16:55

Another 'no' vote here, I'm afraid.

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 16:57

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 16:58

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ledodgy · 16/08/2007 17:00

I agree I don't think it would work. It may even stop people posting about certain problems etc on here for the fear of being accused of trying to gain. There are also people who although not on the breadline and have enough money to live on they simply cannot afford to donate money and this can make people feel bad.

JeremyVile · 16/08/2007 17:01

Really lovely idea but i think it would open up far too many ethical issues.

thomcat · 16/08/2007 17:01

I'm happy to sponsor the odd person I know on mumsnet, support a worthwhile cause, I'm happy to send mums things and give stuff away for free that I no longer want, loan things out, etc etc. But don't like offering money to people who are having a hard time. Where would it end. There have been so may mums on mumsnet who have had awful things happen to them, Yorkie, Kateandgirls, GGG, OnlyJoking. There are mums who have lost children, had late miscarriages, whose children have been diagnosed with brain tumors, women who've had still births, who've lost their husbands. S what do we do, do we split or fivers and tenners between all these women, do we keep giving a fiver every month so there's always something in the pot and make sure everyone gets the same?????

No, sorry.

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 17:03

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 17:03

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JeremyVile · 16/08/2007 17:04

I smoke
shove yer money up yer gills.

ledodgy · 16/08/2007 17:04

and people with sovereign rings the list is endless Cod

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 17:04

Message withdrawn

thomcat · 16/08/2007 17:05

No-one's ever asked for money though have they? Surely this is just an idea by other mumsnetters rather than a 'mum in need' asking?

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 17:05

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 16/08/2007 17:05

Message withdrawn

thomcat · 16/08/2007 17:06

oh mate, I think it's an awful idea, see my post : By thomcat on Thu 16-Aug-07 17:01:40

JeremyVile · 16/08/2007 17:06

Not a northener hactually
And no tattoos

And i only smoke 3 a day maximum....and only in the grounds

nutcracker · 16/08/2007 17:06

I have been in the position of recieveing help from mumsnetters and whilst I am forver grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity I think I have to say no too.

I agree that one of the problems is that those needing or recieveing the help might then think they cannot post if they treat themselves to a new lippy or a bottle of wine or something, because last month they were so needy that they had no food or something, and that also they might not feel that they can post about any financial problems they are having as people might think they are begging.

Sounds silly, but i know that the other wekk i posted about some trousers that I had brought, and I did think 'god i bet some people will be sat thinking that i shouldn't be buying new clothes'.

thomcat · 16/08/2007 17:06

Sorry Rhubarb, nothing personal like mate!