Charity Fatigue

There has been much publicity recently about the rights and wrongs of giving to charities and this will be more evident this week as Sport Relief comes to our TV screens

There should be more to charites than simply rattling a collection tin something that Eddie Izzard has proved in a big way.

Bob Geldof has challenged the BBC to substantiate its report that millions raised for famine relief in Ethiopia were diverted to pay for weapons. The anti-poverty campaigner said there was "not a shred of evidence" Band Aid or Live Aid money was siphoned

The BBC was then inundated with complaints that people feel forced into giving by “emotional blackmail” in the media. There is of course a simple answer to all this, just say “No thanks” when asked to donate. It is your decision and one you should have no qualms about whatsoever.

No one knows more than me about donation to charity. Since Katie’s passing we as a family have focused on raising money for Little Havens and other charities dear to Katie’s heart. Also no one knows better than me about “charity fatigue” and the delicate balance required between asking and asking too much.

However, we have always tried to give something in return for donations hoping that our donors are getting something in return for their hard earned dosh. Be it home made cakes, quizzes, entertainment at the cricket matches or coffee mornings we try and offer value for your money!

The company I work for have a chosen charity each year. Three years ago it was Teenage Cancer Trust, last year it was Help the Hospices (each office donated to their local hospices and I made sure that we in Witham chose Little Havens along with Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford) and this year it is CLICSargent a charity that helps families who have children suffering with cancer.

The irony of these three choices of charities is not lost on me and it just goes to show how many worthy cause there are out there all after donations from a generous public.

Despite my concerns I will be quite within my rights to tip you upside down and relieve you of your money and credit cards come our cricket match on July 25th!