Charity Work

What the fuck internet? What is the world coming to?

So here's the deal. I've been volunteering for the past week, and have obviously fell behind on posting for you lovely individuals, and because I know none of you would ever be this ass-nine, I feel its safe to call some of the individuals out on their idiotic red-tape.

Last week I was asked to collect for a charity called Shinerama, a great cause raising money for Research into Cystic Fibrosis. Hundreds of students participated in this charitable event, and we were organized into teams at McMaster University in the morning, and bussed out to spend some of our time raising money for a good cause throughout the day. We were given Shinerama shirts, we dressed in clear and recognizable uniforms; we were in no way easy to mistake for hoodlums. When hoodlums start dressing in bright matching mechanic's smocks, let me know.

For starters, and I heard this from a Science Representative: a large group of fundraisers were booted out of the Limeridge Mall in Hamilton. They weren't accosting anyone, or pressuring for donations: they were in no way out of order and I know they would have gone out of there way to make people feel comfortable whether they offered a donation of not. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the Humanities group was given a small plaza with an LCBO, a Beer store and a Wal-Mart. We asked very politely in each case whether we could collect outside of these establishments. Only Wal-Mart would allow us to collect (which I should count as a point in its favour: who would have thought the face-less corporation had a sort-of hear?), which was a shame in the first place. I understand the need to limit solicitation by businesses, but honestly, I can't think of any reason Wal-Mart could make an exception where the other two could not.

Anyways: halfway through our time collecting donations, we were informed that two individuals had complained about our presence, and we were let know by management that if we got another complaint we would no longer be able to collect. And this was the exact time at which I asked myself what the world was coming to.

I and my fellow humanities reps went out of the way to accommodate every individual. I thanked everyone for their donation, and I was very understanding and positive towards those who did not offer a donation. I never asked an individual for a donation twice, and we handed out stickers to ensure that those who donated wouldn't be asked again. We smiled. We sang cheers for those who donated (S-U-P-E-R, super super that's what you are!) and generally we were a positive influence on our surroundings, and were met with warm receptions.

Now, I don't know if you are out there today, thinking 'I'm one of those who complained,' but rather than berate you if you are, I'd like to ask why you complained? Could there honestly be any more wholesome, constructive and positive use of highly motivated youths than charity work? And what right do a few individuals, and the bureaucratic power of business, have to limit charitable work? Now, I know we can be annoying, standing at the door when you don't want to donate: but suck it up! Bite the bullet, don't offer a donation, and go on with your day. Your discomfort for a few seconds means research for a cure, jobs for our graduating scientists, cheering and smiling customers!

In short: what charities do is the greatest good for the greatest number, and I for one couldn't give a damn whether two people had a problem with it.

*I am not in any way associated with Shinerama on a professional basis.