People bragging about charity fundraising walks

I think some may have bad intentions but many don’t I think. Some just want to share that they are doing good and create a good feeling around themselves and are trying to raise money for NAS and encourage others to donate. It is what helps to keep sites like this going. They are not free to run probably.

About donating to charity. I prefer to do so online and do a few times throughout the year to different charities.

Try not to see yourself through what other people do and I hope that your living situation improves for you, that might help you to feel better. That is a lot of exercise you do and I hope that you fuel enough to do so.

I don’t want to be tied to any charity through a direct debit.

Many charities also take credit or debit card payments as they have small wireless card readers. 

The administration costs tend to be hefty and some charities are worse than others. Years ago there was a documentary about this in which the Charity Commission or some other organisation rapped many knuckles.

Many charities don't take cash now, they want direct debits and I'm not doing that, I also think it's a bit of a cheek to expect people to make a monthly payment, some might be able to afford it, but many won't, life is hand to mouth enough as it is.

So many big charities spend so much on admin that any donation I make won't actually help people who need helping, others spend large chunks of any donations on things they never tell you about when rattling their tins or asking you to sign up for a direct debit and can get angry when this is pointed out to them.

TheCatWoman said:

I'm quite wary of charity events, some I'm not sure if they're real charities

I don’t give money in person to any charity for that reason. Also because even the better known registered charities can be targeted by unscrupulous people posing as regular collectors. I donate only online now.

I'm quite wary of charity events, some I'm not sure if they're real charities.

If you're doing a sponsered run then obviously you need some publicity to gain sponsers, but I do wonder how much of it is self promotion over promotion of the cause they're raising money for? That sort of self promotion is never pretty, in fact it can be pretty ugly, it can be hard to say no to people as some can get a bit shirty and accuse you of not caring. It's not that I don't care, it's that I have a limited amount of money and can't give to everyone. Although there are some very well known charities that I will have nothing to do with, I won't give them money, I won't use their charity shops or anything so vile do I find them.

mp500 said:

I'm genuinely interested to know what they are actually doing to improve education, improve workplaces and reduce loneliness, other than putting generic information on a website

You may have seen this but I thought it was worth highlighting what the NAS does according to its 2025 Annual Report.

https://nas.chorus.thirdlight.com/file/24/fBWsR5cfBr-5bI8fBNndfGJ3KH2/1118_NAS006X_NAS%20Group%20Accounts_buzz%20signed.pdf

The report details how the money received is used. For instance, one example from page 10 shows, 

Our state-of-the-art Autism Centre in Belfast continued to be a lifeline to local families. Offering a mix of daytime activities, family support and a lending library, the centre supported 966 individuals.

The report also details how it has supported this online community.  

Thank you NAS.

I enjoy being here because I can engage with others in discussing interesting topics that I wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to talk about.

I had my trip to Manchester on Saturday. I went to photograph a protest and ended up walking about 10 miles (mostly round in circles and back and forth). About 1 mile of that was spent running; chasing police who were chasing various protesters. I don't "do" running, but I can make exceptions if there's a bit of excitement involved.

Unfortunately though I cannot donate anything to charity as I do not have the ability to get sponsorship, and the trip to Manchester cost £23.55 out of my own money.

I walked 8 miles into town and back today to pass the time away. Funnily enough, there was someone in a NAS t-shirt in the park. I wonder how much she raised for Autism Awareness Month.

Thanks. I don't care much for the rain or getting wet and muddy but I wasn't heading anywhere in particular, so I just thought sod it.

The Easter walk was just to a shopping mall 6 miles away (but I went via a couple of parks). Its a route I know and the shopping centre was open which mean there were toilets handy!

I'm pleased the doctors issue got sorted eventually. That had a decent outcome. 

I don't think they are doing it for bragging rights but I do wonder why they like to promote what charities supposedly do when it is not clear to a lot of us what they /actually/ do.

That's an interesting thing to remember

This morning, I drove to a village which had a 5K run; sponsored by the Local Gaelic Football Club/Running Club. Delayed my return home, by about ten minutes. Though no issues, after that.

Running is the new Religion, here. The Days of Noah, as the Lord described it.

Diana Syndrome!

That's what I call it!

Doing something for a good cause is one thing, but doing something that's a good cause simply for bragging rights? Ok, not awful, but still pretty shameless. There's worse things you can do, but my god, it's not a good look.

Actually all that walking is impressive, I can't always find the time for even a little walk, and actually keeping up the motivation can be hard. Was the walk in the rain nice? I find it depends on if it's windy too, but if it's not in your face, it can be calming and I like the petrichor smell. 15 miles you did the other week is amazing, did you plan the route, or just ended up walking further than you might have done? (walking to avoid Easter?) 

I also think you need an award for getting that doctor's appointment earlier in the year, I know you had a difficult time with even getting registered. Being autistic and having to speak to so many receptionist deserves an award too!