mostly david ephgrave

The other day when passing through King’s Cross Station, I spotted a man in a hospital gown and full clown make-up who was collecting money for charity. Or so he said. Problem is, that was all he said: “I’m collecting money for charity ”. He didn’t feel it was necessary to tell us which one. Apparently, wearing a zany outfit at odds with his location was the only validation needed. No need for signs or identity badges. No need to even announce which organization he was collecting for . That's not playing fair (other than the obvious fair / clown connection). I’m sure that in their early days, the National Socialist Party were a little strapped for cash. I bet the BNP have been known to organise the odd raffle or two to increase their funds. That doesn’t mean I would want to contribute. Collecting money on the street is sometimes a bit of a grey area. It can be a good way of raising awareness of a cause (and of taking ...