I don't believe in unreasonable charity. For those knocking on the car windows or ringing my doorbell, my purse is always empty and my ears never function. You might call it rude. But I have my reasons for doing so.
Once at a traffic signal, a gentleman came begging to buy a packet of incense sticks from him. He said that he hadn't eaten all day and had to buy food for his small children at home. As he was selling something, which is hard work, I bought two packets from him. On reaching home, I noticed the price sticker on the packs. The price he quoted was Rs 30, he gave me two packs for Rs 20 each and what was printed was Rs 10!
On another occasion, a ill looking boy, of about 10 years, came along begging. Saddened by his condition, I gave him some money. A few days later, I saw the same boy smoking under the flyover at the same signal.
Once this woman with an infant at a temple was begging for money to buy her child some milk. We were a group of friends who were passing by. She almost clung to my feet for money. I stopped and asked her why she didn't work as she looked fit enough. She snapped back, 'Why should I work when I earn so much by begging?'
Such instances killed whatever I ever felt for such people. Not that the sympathy was dead, but the instinct to help them was gone for ever.
Yet, there have been things I have done and willingly do. Not for those begging for alms at signals, but those who really want to do something for themselves. I never could really help with that kind of money though. I realized that I had time (weekends) and a little knowledge that I could contribute. And this is what I have been doing till now.
Those of you who have been following this space for quite some time would know that I have been associated with a couple of organizations working towards educating poor and needy children. One is a government orphanage where I spent weekends with children (how I got to doing it) and another Vidya and Child, an NGO.
And now, I am here to ask you for your help- a small contribution. Along with Give India, we are trying to raise funds for Vidya and Child.
This time, I am helping them with some fundraising. It doesn't require much. Even an amount of Rs 500 (around $9-10) that we willingly spend on movie tickets or a meal is an ample contribution.
Of course, I cannot force you to do this. This is just a request, rather an appeal. Can we not contribute a little of our hard-earned money that will go a long way in the betterment of a child?
For contributing towards this cause, please click on the below link:
Go to the make a donation section for donating. Before donating, you may have to register with Giveindia.org.
1200+ children of Vidya & Child are bubbling with dreams. They have the potential and capability to achieve their dreams.
What they need is your unconditional and continued support!
Please note: Indian tax payers will get an 80G certificate, US tax payers will get 501(c)3 receipt and UK donors will be able to GiftAid their donations to Vidya & Child. You will be able to donate after registering with GiveIndia. Please choose appropriate tax status (Indian / UK / US) while registering.
This is a small favour I am asking from all my blogdosts. Can we do this??
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The biggest racket is at the traffic signals.
A truck comes and drops them off in the morning and picked up in the evening.
I have been planning something very similar as my blog post and here it is! Incidents like these force you to turn a blind eye towards them and shut yourself down completely when you see beggars. I once saw an under 10 aged boy crawl in train, asking for money and then run away the moment he stepped out of it!
The traffic signals are surely a mess, and really you cant trust can you.
This is a wonderful gesture Neha! I was not aware that of the charity work. Kudos.
Know the arms before giving alms :)
Oh, begging is a big business. Mostly you are sad/torn at the situations these beggars present but when you know the reality, it puts you off.
We do are bit by helping/donating at SOS village, Mother Teresa Home and last year we sponsored the eduction of a girl child.
Neha,
I read it earlier and feel that I left my comment.
Take care
such beggars kill humanity..