HOW MUCH DO YOU GIVE AWAY PLEASE

[Calliope]

I have a similar story to Mr Shauna's...

One night I was walking to meet my pals to go eat, and a guy came up to me and asked me for some money for some food, I genuinely didn't have anything on me, so I politely told him I couldn't as I only had my card. His response was to follow me and shout "Well you can buy me a smurfing meal then can't you?!" Unfortunately, these people are rife around Newcastle, I know a guy who took out his wallet to offer the guy some change and he swiped it and ran off... Or they will ask for change and if they see a note, they'll ask for that instead. These people are criminals and it's a shame that they're ruining it for people who are actually really in need of money.

Anyway, I give about $15 pm automatically to IFAW, and if I'm ever out shopping and see a charity raffle or something I'll always buy a few tickets. I think this month I've probably given about $60 to charity, which isn't a lot really but you know, I try to help out with what little I do have.

I've recently thought about taking on some foster cats that need a home until they're adopted, but it's a big commitment so I need to think about it some more.

I just cannot understand this attitude that homeless people are criminals. It isn't a crime to ask someone for money, or to ask them for more money. It is a crime, obviously, to take someone's wallet and yes, it is a shame that some people ruin it for everyone. However, I'd argue that it's more of a shame to let one or two people who are so desperate for help that they are rude, flippant or steal; ruin so many people's sense of goodwill and genuine generosity. People ask me for money or help all the time - but it's asking. It's not a demand, even if someone is begging. They are asking you for help and you have the autonomy to say yes or no, so there's no need to be offended or rude, anyone. If you've ever worked in sales you'll know how abysmal that can be - let alone doing the job without food or medicine, on the street, with everyone looking down on you for having the wherewithal to try to do something - anything - to better your situation, even if only for a few moments you might have a cup of coffee or a cigarette. It doesn't diminish a person to be kind.