Begging ( Does It Bother You )

[Brucewayne]

I NEVER give money.

Food yes, but I don't want to support the many drug addicts or alcoholics who beg or send their children to beg for the cash.

[JJReyes]

I have a cut-off age. My support is for younger street working and street living children. Street working are those who were pulled out of school so that they can earn a living to help support the family. Even if I don't need the flowers they offer, I will buy. Street living are the beggars and hustlers. No cash. Give them food. Actually, one of the best food to have with you is a few baluts. They don't take up much space in your bag. The duck eggs were boiled and therefore safe to eat. It is highly nutritious.

[Jollygoodfellow]

when I once lived in Cebu city for sometime while moving from one hotel to another I would gather up the hotel toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste & brushes, soap etc and I would hand them out to the beggars as I waled down the street. I would often get some surprised looks from the beggars when they look at the tooth brush etc and work out what to do with it. But they were thankful.it would help them with their hygiene to look for a job et. It was not costing me anything besides a little time, i'm sure the hotel must have wondered why I needed 2 sets of tooth brushes and shampoo etc etc day for a bald guy lol. I would also take some very hungry looking kids to the bakery and buy them food. I never gave money though.

Good chance what you gave them was sold rather than used but either way its something towards a life which has no future. Anyone ever think what it would be like to have nothing?

[MikeB]

We don't really have beggars in the small town where I live but there's a small girl who's always asking for money, she says she's hungry. She appears to be about 11 and slightly dirty but well-nourished. I had given her 5 or 10 pesos whenever she asked. One day in the main part of town she hit me up. She walks over and gives it to a woman who is sitting with a guy in an outside cafe, both drinking sodas and laughing. That was the last she got from me.

To the question, yes it bothers me and I feel pity and sympathy. It's one of the reasons I left Cebu City. But the feelings are tempered by the belief that should I leave my property unattended for a second, in many cases, it would become their property.

[sonjack2847]

When I lived in Cebu city there was a family of 3 who lived on the corner of our road. He was always friendly and never asked for money he would also watch our backs.

When I first saw him he had nothing except a few belongings. I noticed he was always collecting bottles cardboard to sell and would also help directing the traffic at the church. He started a business selling some fruit and water by the church and I used to buy from him even though it was dearer than fooda 100 yards away. I did this because the man was helping his family without stealing. When I left about 5 weeks ago he had a stall selling cigs/biscuits/fruit and water I admired this man and what he did for his family. I learned a long time ago never give money to beggars.

My friend in the uk was asked by a beggar in Bristol for money to feed his dog my friend told the man he would be back in about 20 mins and to wait. When my friend came back he gave the man some cans of dog food and an opener. The beggar replied what the hell am I supposed to do with that. I think the beggar wanted money for either booze or drugs. This has stopped me from giving cash to beggars any where in the world.

[sonjack2847]

We don't really have beggars in the small town where I live but there's a small girl who's always asking for money, she says she's hungry. She appears to be about 11 and slightly dirty but well-nourished. I had given her 5 or 10 pesos whenever she asked. One day in the main part of town she hit me up. She walks over and gives it to a woman who is sitting with a guy in an outside cafe, both drinking sodas and laughing. That was the last she got from me.

To the question, yes it bothers me and I feel pity and sympathy. It's one of the reasons I left Cebu City. But the feelings are tempered by the belief that should I leave my property unattended for a second, in many cases, it would become their property.

Hi Mike I had the same thing happen to me on Fuente circle in Cebu city. A woman holding a baby came up and asked for money I said no. !0 minutes later we were walking back the same way when I saw her and her partner eating ice creams. Begging is an industry!

[tiger31]

well i will continue to give to kids its not there fault that they are hungry,its their irrisponsible parents that have children that they cannot feed.

[JJReyes]

well i will continue to give to kids its not there fault that they are hungry,its their irrisponsible parents that have children that they cannot feed.

I agree tiger31. Helping with a gift of one meal is not a long term solution to a social problem, but it is still a highly valued gift in the eyes of a child who is hungry. Even in the United States, hunger is a problem. The difficulty is some non-profits spend more money in fund-raising and administrative expenses then getting the food to those in need. My preference is what you and I and others are doing. Give a hungry child some food when asked, even if this is a one time event.

[shiredevon]

I only give to old people, coz i am one....., seriously though i don't give to able bodied or serial beggars,

[Dave Hounddriver]

i don't give to able bodied or serial beggars,

Shades of Oliver Twist: Please sir, can I have some more serial? (Yes, I just read the bad pun thread)