Should you tell others you give to charity?

[Kriistine]

Hi there I'm a long time reader and first time poster.
Some believe the the best way to give to charity is anonymously but surely giving publicly is better as it may make others follow your example? What do you think?

[sara3]

I think it's a bit more dignified to donate without fuss.

maybe you should consider working for a charity if you want to raise awareness?

[ummmm]

I think it depends on the person donating.

[Nadis]

Depends if the charity is any good and not taking most of the money for themselves and not using it to give to the needy.
Publicly or privately, personal choice.

[Kriistine]

Lol, No thanks I'm happy in my current career and was just having a convo with my husband which spurned this question.

[ummmm]

People like Simon Cowell give privately. I presume he doesn't want to sway public opinion of him and be recognised for what he does for a living, not how much he gives to charity.

[boxtops]

I don't tell anyone else who I give to and what I give - although if people come to the door canvassing for money then I just tell them I give to charities of my choice already. I certainly don't think that making a big splurge about donating to charity convinces others. I wouldn't give to some but am happy to support others, but each to their own.
I was amazed to hear on the radio that the Government is thinking of asking people if they want to donate every time we use a cashpoint because they want us to give more - thanks, but I think that's a cheek. Many people find it hard enough to make ends meet at the moment anyway, but would still pop 50p in a collection box. Making it look like a voluntary obligation is, IMO, a step too far.

[boxtops]

PS here's a link to that story http://www.bitterwall...-through-an-atm/38901

[jaydah]

cant be that private if you know, ummmm

I noticed he's swarming around POWales & probably supports the Trust; £1m+ secures a gong. You heard it here 1st :)

[sandyRoe]

I give a little to a charity thats helps educate children in Third World countries. I also give to Crisis which helps the homeless here in the UK. If you tell others they might consider giving too.

[Kriistine]

This is what I mean sandyRoe as I once asked a cousin does she give to charity and she beat around the bush till I got it out of her and she said yes so I asked her why the secrecy? If everyone kept it a secret then those that could be swayed or were in two minds would keep their money firmly in their pockets but if we all told everyone then maybe more would give.

[naomi24]

I give privately, but I often head up fundraising events so I suppose that encourages others to give.

[wildwood]

I think donating is a private affair. Making a song and dance about it appears sort of false to me. Silly, I know.

[woofgang]

If you buy a charity's branded goods and badges, or display a car sticker, you do make clear who you support. If the subject came up in conversation then I would discuss it but I certainly wouldn't volunteer the information.
My concern about the atm/tax return thing is that the global wallpaper effect will mean that people stop thinking about whether or not to donate, they'll just go no and move on.

[weecalf]

I would imagine its wee bit like giving blood .Its done for the right reasons .So yes we give to the charity for the right reasonsand if we choose to keep it secret thast the way we ourselves are .Others may give and explain to others the importance of giving with them selves as exmples but either way the charity wins .What is a wee bit of an irritant with me is I would give to various but once you give you get about six letters a week from various charties .I will give but will not be pressed in to it ..So some causes may miss out because of this .The letter is I m sure only one way of getting donations so I think they should hold back a little on this particular venue for getting revenue .