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Post by rod on Jul 8, 2014 13:55:12 GMT
What does everyone think about this? Would you help someone out with a good deed? Eg stop to help a stranded motorist, stop to help an elderly person across the road, give a down and out a few bob or maybe buy them some grub? Ive done stuff , dont ever expect to be helped if I have a problem and dont really like asking tbh,, but like to help out where I can.Im not too sure nowadays about so called beggars, as the press has tainted my opinions with ztories of the amount they are pulling in per day. More often than not if someone wants a part , or materials for a vehicle, if I have it, I give it away.Heard a lot about folks getting stuff from the free sites, freegle etc, then flogging it at boot sales etc, so makes me wary. So is it the act of giving making you feel good?
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Post by Firefox on Jul 8, 2014 14:19:09 GMT
I would definitely help out doing stuff, and do so, especially friends, or someone clearly in need. It is not to make me feel good, but more to make them happy. And I hope someone would do the same for me some day if I ever needed it... good karma.
I used to give money to beggars but there are so many scammers around especially in London. It is usually "The train/bus fare" home. Then the money is spent on drugs or alcohol. In one case I saw someone pay a guy his bus fare home, and 5 minutes later he was asking another person for the bus fare home. It's just an organised collection.
There's a lady who begs near Stevenage station always for the train fare home. She is there all the time and pulls in quite a bit by all accounts. She is well known in Stevenage to locals... and she lives in Stevenage in housing association property not far from the station, so why she needs the train fare home, who knows!
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Post by robmac on Jul 8, 2014 17:17:53 GMT
I don't mind helping people out, and it does make me feel good as well as whoever is being helped. As for beggars, I usually make a judgement call. If I like them I give them money (even if they are going to buy booze or drugs!). If I don't like them or I think they are scamming me, they get a flat No!
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Post by n brown on Jul 8, 2014 17:29:15 GMT
i'm extremely helpful and you'd think i'd have amazing karma. i wish ! anyway helping people out is self gratifying,and nothing wrong with feeling better after all ! i have nothing against beggars if they're any good at it- most of them are reallly boring -the guy with a puppy [borrowed?] looking sad in a doorway,the ones with the long sad story,the bloke with a cardboard story of just how crap his life has been- no chance, but if someone unabashedly asks me for money,on the understanding that i have some and they don't,so why not share a little ,theyll win ! . but i always give tramps a couple of quid,they never ask,and won't look at you when taking the dosh,and don't usually thank you. my idea of luck money !
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Post by Firefox on Jul 8, 2014 17:43:43 GMT
I remember about 1990 I was pestered by a child beggar about 10 YO near Earls Court (they are often pimped out by gangs in an organised way). He kept on saying 50p, Mister, 50p.
I gave him 50p, eventually, to get rid of him. Then he starts with £1, Mister, £1. That's when I told him F off. I haven't given to beggars since about then.
I also made the mistake of giving to some charity, via the spam snail mail. It was only £5 or something. Once you donate they pester you with ever more mail suggesting bigger donations. Knowing they have a live address with a semi-willing donor it is all very cold and commercial. Well likewise, they can F off, I never donated again via that method.
I think if you are going to donate, anonymous is best.
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Post by rod on Jul 8, 2014 18:15:30 GMT
I think most folks are generally helpful types, but are put off by thinking about the consequences if it goes wrong.eg picking up hitch hikers, who could end up potentially attacking/robbing you.
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Post by billieblue on Jul 8, 2014 18:37:16 GMT
I usually help out if I can. I do voluntary work for two charities and look after an elderly neighbour. I do it cos I can! My legs work, my brain works and I'm retired so I've got time to spare. I suppose it makes me feel useful! And maybe some good karma! I don't usually give to beggars but on my way to the pub in Bradford city centre the other night I just couldn't walk past someone without giving him a quid......like rob said, even if he was spending it on alcohol or drugs.....
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Post by campervanannie on Jul 8, 2014 18:58:36 GMT
I don't give to beggars as you don't know who to trust but I will help anyone who needs it and we have for the past 20 years sponsored a girl and a boy in Africa that we get letter and updates not the same 2 over 20 years as when they get to an age they come off the sponcership then the charity asked you to sponser another.
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on Jul 8, 2014 20:53:46 GMT
Can I have a tenner please Mr Brown!
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