Chuggers Ahoy!


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 a little bit of instant small change) – but it can also force the contributor into a corner. It’s particularly bad when you’re stopped by someone who’s desperate to sign you up for a long-term commitment.

If I have the time, I’ll stop and listen. If it’s a cause I support, I’ll give a little something there and then (the other day I was stopped by a man collecting money to rehome stray dogs; I was instantly befriended by his schnauzer – not a euphemism – and had to make a small donation).

Sometimes I can’t afford to – and if that’s the case, I’ll often ask if there is a website I can visit, to check out more information and potentially donate in the future.

Sometimes they can get a little stroppy: “It’s only £10 a month; surely you can afford that?”. The point is, I often can’t; being self-employed doesn’t come with the luxury of knowing what you’ll have in the bank from one month to the next. There’s no need to try and guilt-trip me into it – and make me add another thing to the list of monthly payments I need to account for.

If I like the charity, I’m entitled to take my time before making a commitment. I’m also not very keen to give away my bank account details on the street.

I’m not saying there was anything wrong with King’s Cross' would-be Patch Adams – but I don’t think it’s enough to expect people to donate for a non-specific cause just on the strength of a novelty outfit.

Now, where's the nearest place I can source a skull-cap and a bucket?

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