tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984344.post3203606974181311873..comments2023-10-18T03:19:36.584-04:00Comments on outWORD by Matte Downey: it's for a good cause...Matte Downeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13475890740790772858noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984344.post-73705311065157056722012-07-07T13:49:25.463-04:002012-07-07T13:49:25.463-04:00As an added note: I believe that Samaritan's ...As an added note: I believe that Samaritan's Purse does a great job of trying to marry the two elements: generating much-needed funds and resources while bringing the donors in contact with those in need in some way. It is very difficult to do, since most of their projects are in other countries that we will never visit, but they are one of the most creative organisations in bridging this gap.Matte Downeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13475890740790772858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984344.post-82206699500172951822012-07-07T13:45:00.082-04:002012-07-07T13:45:00.082-04:00I always appreciate your thoughts, Shelley. I am ...I always appreciate your thoughts, Shelley. I am aware that people walk or run in cancer events with much sincerity and genuine feeling. I am not trying to diminish their actions or sentiments nor imply that they ought to be doing something else. I am mostly talking about the general trend I see to tack some charitable cause onto social events or physical challenge adventures: things we would probably do anyway even without the cause. <br /><br />Perhaps it is better to participate in an event of this sort than do nothing at all, as you say. But I am asking myself (my posts are always talking to myself as much as to anyone else) if there isn't a real problem in equating this type of social event/challenge activity with costly, sacrificial acts of service? It just seems to devalue true charity. <br /><br />Yes, we are all on a learning curve when it comes to love, and I have much to learn in how to genuinely and effectively love those around me, but to pat ourselves on the back after running a few miles or raising a few dollars like we really did something important...I don't know. <br /><br />In my opinion, this trend shows how quickly we as human beings can turn genuine compassion and concern into something that strokes our egos, helps market products, and heightens awareness of brands or corporations as much as the cause they are supporting.<br /><br />While donated funds and goods are always needed, I think they should be given in conjunction with person to person contact and real, get your hands dirty, charity. It is a complex issue indeed, but those are my thoughts thus far.Matte Downeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13475890740790772858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984344.post-70802827745004529332012-07-06T19:50:58.087-04:002012-07-06T19:50:58.087-04:00This is a brave post Matte. I agree with you. Bu...This is a brave post Matte. I agree with you. But I was thinking as I was reading it was - since most of the people who do these adventures for charity would not do the real thing up close and personal...at least these events take their money. But maybe that is just letting them off the hook? I think people who have experienced true charity, either on the receiving or the giving end, are the ones who get in and get dirty. And I doubt if they equate running a marathon with it either...<br />Hmmm...I know people who run or walk in cancer events with much genuine feeling...and many of them are those who did care for a loved one in their life, and now they walk for them in their memory. I guess they should go and care for another instead, but many of us are not emotionally strong enough for that...<br />I agree that giving should be more closely reflective of the cause though, and not so focussed on satisfying the giver. I guess those who fundraise understand human motivators. <br />Hmmm....the more I think about this, the more complex it becomes!Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12295453584404376725noreply@blogger.com