David

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

I hate the enforced jollity of it and the fact the BBC have to sweeten the pill by making it for the UK as well as Africa. People who live in tin huts with no water are in much greater need than ANYONE in the UK. I sponsor a child in Senegal, and hate being made to feel guilty for not shelling out for a once a year (or two) enforced jolly. And don't even get me started on Children in Need. I think it just encourages victim culture. We hardly have any children in real need in this country compared to the third world. And I don't want to see my newsreaders dancing. So undignified.

 

I can't believe the PM was going on about the Kilimanjaro climbers being 'heroes'. We could all stick our hands in our pockets without people climbing mountains (which is expensive) if we wanted to.

 

Is there a new humbug smiley?

[quickcluck]

My nose got pinched from my car yesterday

 

people are just mean

[Fizzle Knit]

I was accused this morning of "not caring about children dying" by DS3 because I had failed to buy him a red nose from Sainsbury's

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

I was accused this morning of "not caring about children dying" by DS3 because I had failed to buy him a red nose from Sainsbury's

 

Tell him you DO care about children dying, which is why you haven't beaten him to death for his cheek.

[Janty]

My car nose fell off this morning so I retraced my journey (thankfully a short one), saw it in the road, stopped the car and then had to stop the traffic dressed all in red with a red wig and nose in order to pick it up off the road.

[Olly]

I hate the enforced jollity of it and the fact the BBC have to sweeten the pill by making it for the UK as well as Africa. People who live in tin huts with no water are in much greater need than ANYONE in the UK. I sponsor a child in Senegal, and hate being made to feel guilty for not shelling out for a once a year (or two) enforced jolly. And don't even get me started on Children in Need.

 

Is there a new humbug smiley?

 

I'm with you on this one (although I wasn't brave enough to say so till you did!) I do feel a bit annoyed that we're suddenly supposed to pay people for dressing up and doing daft things. I know someone above said the red noses are recyclable, but there must be cost (and carbon implications) in producing them in the first place. Like you I make a regular monthly charity donation, and have done for some years.

 

I feel sometimes as if there's an assumption that we only give to charity because someone 'does' something (climbs a mountain, cycles a long way, shaves their head). What's wrong with giving for giving's sake?

 

Each to their own, and sorry if this dampens the enthusiasm of those who are looking forward to watching BBC1 tonight! Now, where is that humbug smiley?

[craftyhunnypie]

Why are we , the little island , always the ones to run to the aid of all other countries? I say it's time we helped some of our own. Sorry if this offends, it's not meant to - but I do think we should help people in the U.K a lot more than we do.

 

Emma.x

[Guest]

It's well known that I don't do these big TV charities. I gave today to Cancer Research instead.

 

Being a teacher makes this even worse. I had kids moaning all day that I was a killjoy and not being nice to charity because I was trying to TEACH them. Not the friends they were tied to that were in other classes - they were told in advance this is not allowed. Not stopping my lesson because yet another bunch of sixth formers in fancy dress want to come in and collect money from my class. Not putting up with plain awful behaviour because that's what we always get the minuite we start a non-uniform day. Kids think "non-uniform" means "no rules" So they can play with their phones, ipods, psp's, make up etc all through my LESSONS.

 

I taught year 11 kids today who have missed a coursework deadline and today was the day I sent marks off but hey ho it's comic relief so we can all pretend Miss is having a joke when she says we won't be getting our GSCE certificates in the summer.........

 

BAH HUMBUG

 

(Last year I ran the Sport relief mile - because James wanted to do it with me and I'd done race for life the previous year which he wasn't allowed to do. I spent my 39th birthday running a mile in the freezing cold wind and rain for a charity I don't even approve of!)

[Christian]

We are fortunate that we have a roof over our heads and food in our tummies. Many don't have that and I personally don't care what country people live in.

 

In this day and age, it is disgusting that people are starving, dying of curable illness, insufficient health care and unsafe water.

 

Comic relief does good for Human beings. Just my humble opinion.

[Cooks]

well said Christian, I couldn't agree more.

[jlo]

Being the typical wishy washy liberal who sits on any fence going, i can empathise with most of the views about comic relief and other big charity events.

 

I dont think that I give enough to charity although I try and do my bit. I think that CR is a good excuse for some reasonably amusing things going on and, if it raises cash for needy causes then so much the better.

 

When watching the programme on the Kili climb DD did ask, "Why don't all those celebrities just put in £100,000 each. They can all afford that and then they don't have to pay all the people to come up with them."...and I think that she had a point!

 

I went into my kids' school today and the teachers all looked very frazzled so I know where Pengy is coming from too!

 

The red noses this year seem very flimsy ( I do like that word!) There were about ten of them, split in half, scattered over the school grounds and ours broke too. I have been waiting for someone to nick my car nose - sad indictment of my views of society but I think that my thoughts were justified as it has happened to another Omleteer!

 

Back to the tv...

 

Edited to add I thought I would change my Avatar in honour of the occasion! .

Edited March 13, 2009 by Guest

[Guest]

We are fortunate that we have a roof over our heads and food in our tummies. Many don't have that and I personally don't care what country people live in.

 

In this day and age, it is disgusting that people are starving, dying of curable illness, insufficient health care and unsafe water.

 

Comic relief does good for Human beings. Just my humble opinion.

 

I couldn't agree more with your first 2 statements. I still think that we would do better teaching our children to CARE about charities and give whatever they can to a charity they care about rather than the mass hysteria that surrounds these BBC enforced days.

 

I have had to teach 3 weeks of lessons on this to my tutor group. Yes today some of them were doing something but not because they cared but because they saw an excuse to act stupid. I tried to tell them the story I heard from a mate of how he had given up a Saturday morning to go and clean up around a pond in the public space he walked his dog in. He had seen the mess and decided to do something about it. No fanfare, no "look at me" he just took himself down there and started clearing up. Other people who had nodded to him previously when seeing him with the dog stopped to ask what he was doing. A few took their dogs home and came back and helped. When I told this story to my class they said "what did he do that for - is he stupid, it's not his mess, who cares".

 

Those same kids today wanted money from me because "it's for comic releif". They have no real understanding if they can't understand why someone can just go and give their time to improve their environment. They are only collecting today because they think it makes them look good and they want to be stupid in school. I'd give over and over if they came to me saying "I'm doing this for a charity because I want to" rather than "I'm jumping on todays bandwagon".

 

I want to teach kids about charity and make them care. I dont' want to tell them what to support - I want them to make their own decisions for their own reasons.

 

I was just watching the CR fest and I am touched by the malaria stuff. I will try and give to this cause but NOT today and NOT to add to the BBC total. Quietly and without looking for glory or thanks.

 

Oh yes those stupid noses. Several have been ripped up and thrown all over my classroom today. They may be recyclable but the kids are too busy throwing them about to care about the planet.

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

My other problem with Comic Relief, which was eloquently articulated in Helen Fielding's early novel, Cause Celeb (she worked for Comic Relief I gather, then went into writing), is how corrupt people in the countries you try to help are. So the money, or not enough of it, doesn't reach the starving, malarial masses. The politics, or warlords, or local leaders, or other charities, tie everything up in tape, or syphon off the supplies and cash.

 

My next door neighbour is currently somewhere in Africa watching the head of a school she is working in driving a big posh car while the kids don't have books (or food sometimes).

 

I strongly believe that it's not enough to dip our hands in our pockets and then feel like we've done something. We invariably haven't done something, because the people with power in these shockingly deprived countries do everything they can to create tribal and class division, skimming off the cream for those at the top, and leaving the rest to rot.

 

Our politicians need to apply global pressure. For Gordon Brown to talk about celebrity heroes, rather than do something as a world leader, makes me spit.

 

Look at India. See Slumdog. Look at Rwanda, Congo. Comic Relief is a spit in the ocean against the corruption and lack of compassion in the countries themselves.

 

I don't like it, but it's how it is.

 

God, humans can be awful.

 

On the plus side, David Tennant is going to be on CR isn't he?

[craftyhunnypie]

I still feel how I feel. I respect others views & feel sorry for the dying & starving in Africa etc. But be honest, they are no further on - things have not got better & I don't see that they ever will. It is all to do with the government of the country & what is done with the country's money. It should have been put into medicine, education & contraception a long, long time ago.

I do have a heart, but get annoyed at all the publicity around these charities & their events & the fact that it is always Great Britain who helps! If I could go to these countries & give each & every person the same amount of money & guarantee that it would turn their lives around forever - I would do so.

Sorry to sound blunt - I would rather give my money to animal charities & ones where I can see good come out of my money donated.

I hope I don't sound a horrid person. (I'm not)

Emma.x

[Guest]

I don't want this thread to turn into a debate about the rights and wrongs of Comic Relief. I am happy to accept that people have differing views about it, that's fine but I would be sad if something that is essentially based on good intentions was completely knocked. Some may feel what the charity does is misguided or a waste of time, but it is definitely trying to do some good for people here and in Africa.

 

I know that corruption is a way of life in a lot of African countries. It's almost part of the culture. I may be wrong, but I think a lot of charities (if not all) don't give money any more because it didn't end up in the right place. Instead the charities will physically give the malaria nets to those who need them, they will build clinics, provide animals and install water tanks themselves.

 

I find it very hard to believe that these awful things are actually going on NOW, at this very moment in time. I know that I view them the same way as a history documentary and have to constantly remind myself that this is not how things used to be, this is how they are. I can't stand by and watch that sort of injustice in the world without wanting to help. A million drops in the ocean can make quite a difference.

 

You are right Penguinmad that a lot of our children to not understand. They may well have an ingrained selfishness, as much of today's society seems to. Next time, perhaps you could guide them towards a helpful project which they can involve themselves in, where they will really see the difference they have made? That would teach them exactly what you think they lack.

 

I also think that for most of us a sense of community is completely absent. Things like Comic Relief draw us together as a community even if we don't know any of the other people. I feel I'm part of something big and that's a nice feeling.

[jlo]

I don't want this thread to turn into a debate about the rights and wrongs of Comic Relief. I am happy to accept that people have differing views about it, that's fine but I would be sad if something that is essentially based on good intentions was completely knocked. Some may feel what the charity does is misguided or a waste of time, but it is definitely trying to do some good for people here and in Africa.

 

I know that corruption is a way of life in a lot of African countries. It's almost part of the culture. I may be wrong, but I think a lot of charities (if not all) don't give money any more because it didn't end up in the right place. Instead the charities will physically give the malaria nets to those who need them, they will build clinics, provide animals and install water tanks themselves.

 

I find it very hard to believe that these awful things are actually going on NOW, at this very moment in time. I know that I view them the same way as a history documentary and have to constantly remind myself that this is not how things used to be, this is how they are. I can't stand by and watch that sort of injustice in the world without wanting to help. A million drops in the ocean can make quite a difference.

 

You are right Penguinmad that a lot of our children to not understand. They may well have an ingrained selfishness, as much of today's society seems to. Next time, perhaps you could guide them towards a helpful project which they can involve themselves in, where they will really see the difference they have made? That would teach them exactly what you think they lack.

 

I also think that for most of us a sense of community is completely absent. Things like Comic Relief draw us together as a community even if we don't know any of the other people. I feel I'm part of something big and that's a nice feeling.

 

Really well said! Thanks as this was the sort of sentiment that I was trying to get across and failed!!

[chelsea]

 

Comic relief does good for Human beings.

 

I wholeheartedly agree.

 

Even if we all gave one pound it will benefit somebody, whether its to buy a malaria net or clean water.

 

We dont know how lucky we are here, I cant believe I was moaning about my electric bill today and some people dont even have a roof on their hut.

 

The images tonight have brought me to tears and will continue to do so.....that is why I give.

[Guest]

 

You are right Penguinmad that a lot of our children to not understand. They may well have an ingrained selfishness, as much of today's society seems to. Next time, perhaps you could guide them towards a helpful project which they can involve themselves in, where they will really see the difference they have made? That would teach them exactly what you think they lack.

 

I also think that for most of us a sense of community is completely absent. Things like Comic Relief draw us together as a community even if we don't know any of the other people. I feel I'm part of something big and that's a nice feeling.

 

This was the point I was trying to make with the kids. I wanted them to understand that charity is NOT all about give a pound because you have to for not wearing your uniform. Give yourself, your time, your effort can be more valuable than money. Charity shouldn't be "LOOK I've made all this money" It should be quieter and done because you care about the cause rather than you care how generous it makes you look. I think the feeling you get from knowing that YOU have made a difference is very valuable. There are lots of places where you can volunteer and quietly give a little of your time and see a difference. I wish I had the time to do so regularly but I know that I will have more time in future and will do so. Now I give a little when I can, but these kids have an opportunity to do something now and "can't see the point" although shout "Comic Relief" at them and they want people to see how much money they can give. They still don't see the point.

[Snowy]

This is a really good debate, some excellent points from everyone - nothing to add to that, but a very good read, thanks.

 

What I'd like to add is just to remind you that corruption is sadly equally present in the UK charities. I know of one where the directors use charity money to fund their bigger company cars and trips abroad Not one I will be supporting in the future, but the rest are probably just as bad I just have to keep doing what I can, when I can.

Edited March 14, 2009 by Guest

[Olly]

I agree, and I wasn't trying to knock Comic Relief, it does raise a lot of money, and clearly a lot of people enjoy watching it.

 

What concerns me however is exactly the point Pengy has made - charity in the true sense of the word is about love, it's about giving because you can, and because the act of giving in itself (whether it's money, time, or just giving up a seat on the train) is worthwhile. I feel that in recent years events like CiN, Comic Relief etc although very worthwhile have created a culture where charity is seen as a commercial transaction - if I do X, you will pay money to Y.

 

Most charities are short of volunteers. People put a lot of time and effort into doing things for these big events, but often are not willing to devote time to the rather less glamorous and fun side of things like talking to an elderly person, picking up litter in conservation sites, cleaning cat-litter trays at the local sanctuary etc. Sometimes that's as important as money.

 

Sad but not surprised to read your point, Snowy

[Helly Welly]

I think that the money raised by Comic relief goes directly to projects in the UK and Africa that already work so that the corrupt governments don't get their mitts on it. DD's school did a lot for CR, had a few sponsored things going on and ran some stalls. The children gave up their own toys to sell and their own playtime to raise the money. They also had a whole week of assemblies about the reasons we give to CR. DD is an avid charity shopper and gives her old stuff to charity shops too.

 

I'm sure lots of you give to charity regularly, but a lot of people don't and if it gets people giving then i say bring it on!! Maybe it instills into children a sense of helping others, provided they are taught the meaning of what they are doing. With things like CR, it gives smaller charites and projects a chance to get some money. So many people give to cancer charities, and that's great, but cancer isn't the only worthwhile cause. The Hypermobility Association struggles for cash to the extent that they can't make more merchandise to sell because they can't afford to have it made in the first place. They do sterling work for people like me, providing information and a shoulder to cry on and advancing the research into the condition. If only they had a name that people recognised, then they'd get more money.