I'd like to boycott children in need

[IWouldLoveToStandAsAnIndie]

but I don't want to not donate to those in need. Shall i let my child take part but donate the money directly to charities or is there a better way?

[BlissfullyIgnorant]

Haven't read entire thread BUT...

The BBC seem to have done a lot for children over the decades - not all good

Just because somebody decided not to give to Children in Need does not mean they aren't allowed to give to other charities.

If you want a recommendation, try www.oliviasvision.org/
Which is unique in the UK. It funds research into uveitis.

[NigellaTufnel]

Can anyone tell me what the problem is with MC? Apart from him being the leading proponent of a kind of sleazy PR. Is there any specific?

[QuickLookBusy]

Nigella, it's his admission that his main job isn't PR but to keep "things" out of the media for his clients.

He has admitted he knew Alan Clark MP (now dead) had sex with two 14 year old girls and he helped keep this out of the press.

I would also like to know if he has kept other crimes against children out of the press.

[Viviennemary]

So is Max Clifford being paid for this role? Or is he doing in on a voluntary basis.

[NigellaTufnel]

Yeauch!

[EmmelineGoulden]

My pet peeve around charity giving is people who seem to think charities should spend little on good governance, relationship building, advertising and the hundred and one other overheads that build stability and long term success.

That CiN have low overheads is not something I find to particularly appealing about them. It seems even more like a mistake when they are being highlighted for an issue of judgement, ethics and good governance.

[Simatmum]

Yes, I am going to withhold my donation to CIN this year, and give to children's charities instead.

[Extrospektiv]

"I think it's sad that we expect charities to protect our vulnerable children and not the government.

It's cuts to social services, daycare, outreach, every possible avenue of support which endangers vulnerable children, not boycotting CiN.

Successive governments have deliberately inadequately funded or cut support services and then some millionaire celebrity tries to make the public feel guilty enough to donate.

In the 21st century, in one of the richest countries in the world, there shouldn't be any children in need. "

-now why am i not surprised?

[Extrospektiv]

Charitable work & Subsidiarity>big government all the way
And I'm not a Thatcherite or even a Tory, just a moderate.

[Viviennemary]

Well maybe the BBC should kindly donate £10 from everybody's licence fee and cut their costs accordingly. That would solve the problem. It's all about self promotion for the stars. I am very cynical about this event I'm afraid.

[NigellasGuest]

I emailed my complaint to the BBC trust a week or so ago and have received the following reply. Please read below:

"Thank you for your email to the BBC Trust. I am responding as a member of the Trust Unit which supports and advises the Chairman and the Trustees.
I note your concerns about reports regarding Max Clifford's involvement in this
year's Children in Need event.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns, I should explain that the BBC Trust has no
role in day to day editorial or operational issues, such as the appointment of
PR or fundraising staff.

BBC Children in Need is a registered charity and the Trust has no influence on
its appointments. If you would like to contact Children in Need directly, you
can do so via:

Email: [email protected]

Post:
BBC Children in Need Appeal
PO Box 1000
London
W12 7WJ

Tel: 020 8576 7788

I hope this is helpful and thank you for bringing your concerns to the Trust's
attention.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Grogan
BBC Trust Unit"

[mignonette]

I got fobbed off with the same email, Nigella'sGuest, basically saying it is nothing to do with the BBC and I should email CIN. So I have.

[NigellasGuest]

well yes so have I, Mignonette - It was just my longwinded way of telling people there's no point emailing BBC trust.... just email [email protected] not that that will make any difference either

[damibasiamille]

Re Max Clifford, having sex with 14-year-old girls is a crime. And isn't there a crime of "failing to report a crime" or possibly "helping a criminal to evade justice"? Only asking . . .

Also, if I remember rightly, Roger Jones also said something to the effect that "the paedophiles were round CiN like flies around a honey-pot" but that he was able to keep them at bay because the police tipped him off.

Seems to me it's up to all of us to be extremely vigilant.