ROTHENBURGER: Do we give to charities at Christmas for the wrong reasons?

So does that mean we’re actually being self-interested when we give? Are we in it for the recognition and the thanks we receive rather than for old-fashioned selflessness? A debate between two Kamloops residents broke out on Facebook this week over that issue.

One of them posted several times about taking part in the annual Away Home Campout to End Youth Homelessness, which took place overnight last night at McDonald Park. That’s the one where the Away Home society gathers sponsors, and campers who sleep out in cardboard boxes or under tarps or in tents gather pledges.

Basically, it’s a one-night experience of sleeping rough in winter weather albeit with snacks, hot dogs and hot chocolate thrown in, plus the comfort of having St. John’s Ambulance and security on duty and a washroom nearby.

The posts from this particular resident thanked various donors and generally plugged the event. This brought a sharp rebuke from another resident, who supported the cause but questioned motives. “… To brag about it or post about what you went through and the significant hardship is a joke.”

She continued, “I personally find the campaign distasteful especially when the persons who participate are politicians or persons who are educated and have jobs….

“Acting and sleeping as if homeless or unhoused is more about drawing attention to oneself than to the challenge…. condescending and unrealistic and superficial.”

This brought a lot of rebuttals, including from the camper in question: “If I don’t post about it, Away Home doesn’t get donations. If I don’t camp out, Away Home doesn’t get donations. If I don’t post about Campout I miss out on increasing public awareness of youth homelessness.”

I know both these people and they’re community-minded folks who have done a lot for Kamloops. In this case, I side with the camper.

Fundraising is a tough, highly competitive gig. And, at times, overwhelming and annoying for the givers. As an aside, I like to choose the charities I give to without being subjected to a selling job. I’d rather not receive emails and mailouts for the rest of my life from the ones who have my contact information from previous donations.

Ever since giving to the Red Cross, regular requests for donations have shown up in my mailbox. I wonder how much paper and postage is wasted that could have gone directly to the cause instead.

Mustard Seed is another. And there are plenty more that send out frequent email donation requests and newsletters. I won’t cut them off but I mention it to make the point that big, well-resourced charities are highly accomplished at campaigning for funds. And very persistent. Smaller ones struggle.

Away Home is a Kamloops charity that has developed very effective fundraising techniques including the campout. It raises not only money, but a lot of awareness. The campout reminds people what the money is needed for. Those who take part in it (including corporate sponsors and donors) add to that awareness, and to the charity’s bank account.

Sure, the campers feel good about themselves for contributing. Yes, some of those campers are politicians doing it because they need to show leadership but their participation always draws media attention and, hence, more awareness.

Experts who study the human brain say there are many reasons that people give. We may consciously understand that it makes us feel better about ourselves. We may like the feeling of being admired for our philanthropy.

Why shouldn’t people be recognized? But, to be sure, some people seek no recognition. I recently saw a fellow who, shall we say, was modestly dressed and modestly groomed, pull a $20 bill out of his wallet and put it in a Salvation Army kettle. I doubt he was doing it for recognition.

One study says we’re more likely to give if we have an opportunity to tell others about it. At the end of the day — or, should I say, end of the season — does it really matter why we give, or why it makes us feel good?

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Mel Rothenburger

ROTHENBURGER: Do we give to charities at Christmas for the wrong reasons?

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