'Charity muggers': a fundraiser in Regent Street

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Now admittedly, there are less in Aberdeen (but then there's less places to go), but I don't see what the problem is.

The wonderful argument of I'll give my own way is greta, but people DON'T give unless asked. Aberdeen recently put up homeless boxes around town so that people could put money in there, and the money would be used to help the homeless and help eradicate begging. In 3 months they've raised under £350. A local homeless charity went out collecting for an hour before a football game and made over £400. People don't give unless asked. So charities will ask you, and they'll ask you to give monthly because it's the best way for them, it IS cost efficient. If you don't want to give, just say no thanks and walk away.

Or is being asked a question and having to make a reply too difficult for you?

- Michael, Aberdeen

I take the point about chuggers collecting for good causes but you often see four of five of them operating within the space of about fifty yards. You've just explained to one that you are unable to contribute, then another one from the same organisation stops you, very often after having seen that you have just spoken to their colleague. That's just intimidation; if someone has said no, they should be left alone, not badgered and made to feel under pressure like this.

- L J Wright, UK

What most people are forgetting is that these "chuggers" are employees of companies that make money on a commission basis.
Whilst yes, this is an important revenue for charities, surely it would be better to give directly to the charity then through some company. Some charities only start receiving money after the first year.

- Anon, London

I am stunned at the persecution of chuggers by this poll. Smiling and saying "no" is an easy way to avoid being stopped by face-to-face fundraisers, and I should know I tried this clever tactic just the other day.

Whilst it can be a little annoying to be asked twice in the space of two minutes to give to a charity this is a massively regulated and vital source of funds for many charities, including many of the biggest names in the sector.

The idea that chuggers are "threatening" is ridiculous. They may sometimes be very enthusiastic but if people are so precious that someone speaking to them in the street is considered threatening then public places such as markets must be a minefield of potential terror for them.

Let people do a job for good causes and please think of the huge benefits this brings to thousands/millions of vulnerable people.

- Luke Thomas, London

Westminster City Council’s decision to stop “threatening and annoying” fundraisers only serves to penalise those charities who undertake street fundraising in a responsible and considered manner.

Face-to-face fundraising is an important way for charities to reach people and raise awareness of their cause. The Mental Health Foundation works hard to improve the negative reputation that face-to-face fundraisers have gained over the years. We train our staff to a high standard and always act in accordance with official fundraising guidance. As a result, we have not received a single complaint since we began street fundraising in July 2006.

Face-to-face fundraising helps us to receive donations that we would not otherwise. Without them, the Mental Health Foundation would lose vital funding to continue helping people with mental health problems, their friends and families.

- Phil Lunn, London, UK

Chuggers is a pejorative term. What you really mean is a face-to-face fundraisers. Banning these would mean that some charities will not be able to provide essential support and services to disadvantaged people. Face-to-face fundraising gives people the opportunity to find out about charities and to decide to support them. Surely not a bad thing!

- Malcolm Matthews, Redhill, UK

These people do a hard job for good causes. What's wrong with that?

- Robin, Bristol

As well as raising a lot of money for very good causes, street fundraising provides opportunities to learn about the work of the charities, involves young people in something positive and constructive and provides many with needed employment, doing something they can believe in. Banning the fundraisers won't make the needs they communicate go away. The difference the funds and charities make surely far outweighs any slight inconvenience or annoyance to the rushing pedestrian.

- David, Aylesbury

I think that this form of fundraising manages to raise awareness of a whole host of charities as well as get some extra funding for them. Most charities these days can't depend on the government helping out in fundiing them and so they have to try to get funds through a number of ways. It's easy to say no if that's what you want to do. I manage to say no to those people handing out leaflets on the street (I wish others would too instead of wasting trees and littering the pavements with unwanted leaflets they've been given). The chuggers are offering you the chance to give some money to make massive changes in the world - why would anyone not want to do that if they could?

- Max, Oxford, UK

Hate to lump Chuggers in with beggars, street sellers, handing out fliers, religious nuts with microphones or people standing there holding a sign for a shop, pick-pockets and so on.

However, together the presence of this type of activity does lessen the quality of life for anyone in the West End who has to spend their time dodging and weaving irritants instead of getting from A to B without hassle.

- Jowo, London

I tried a sales role once and was hopeless at it, so I rather admire people who can do this kind of thing. It's difficult work, even if you are outgoing.

I never give via chuggers because I've chosen my charities and set up regular payments to them online already. But they're fellow human beings, so if you're not interested, a polite "no thanks, but good luck" as you whizz by should suffice.

- Rachel, UK

I work for a charity, we use chuggers. In 18 months we have had only two complaints made against them, both involved the same employee. Because of employment law, the fundraising company could not dismiss him until he had irritated more than one person. It is not always the fault of the charity, they employ chuggers just as builders employ subcontractors. There's is bound to be one bad apple in the bunch!

- Frances, Wells, Somerset

I don't believe the ends (undeniably worthy) justify the means.

Charity is good and should be encouraged - but it shouldn't be cynically harrassed out of people on the streets.

Nor should people have to make complaints about chuggers - charities should be policing their own representatives.

- James, London

Stickman, London: The ice caps are melting, but only on the coast where they are supposed to melt. Africans are starving because woolly greenheads like you prevent them from using the abundant coal and oil reserves that lie under their soil. You are a medieval romantic with a bent to harass city dwellers. You don't want to save the world you just hate humans.

- Harry, UK

I think that it is appaling that you choose to vindicate those who choose to do something worthwile for a living. Fundraisers (paid or not) are benefiting those who have very little and giving a voice to those who are suffering. In a society where we spend enough money on hair products in one year to cancel world debt, I think they should be praised rather than persercuted! Comments that these professionals get paid is ridiculous, when television companies, newspapers and radio stations charge for charities to advertise at extortionate rates. I really wonder what is happening in our society. So many seem to see themselves as victims. You are not. You do not know what true hardship is. Go home today and sign up on your way home if you are fortunate enough to be chugged! Doing something for nothing is a very good thing!

- Ria, London

Some facts about street fundraising for your collective consideration:
-Street fundraisers are generally paid between £8 and £12 per hour.
-Street fundraisers are paid out of pre-determined annual fundraising budgets. All charities have these budgets, they are similar to businesses in this respect.
-The adage that you have to spend money to make money applies to charities, although I realise that some people wish it didn't.
-Increasing numbers of street fundraisers work directly for a single charity, they are known as in-house fundraisers.
-All medium sized and large charities have fundraising departments. The people who work in these departments are paid according to their ability and experience. Some are more successful than others.
-Street fundraisers should not be rude, follow people down the street or cause an obstruction. If they do I suggest you make a complaint.
-You've guessed it. I have been employed in various capacties within the industry for many years and so I'm biased.
-As I write this the ice-caps are melting, Africans are starving and young women are being smuggled in to this country like slaves in order to work as prostitutes. I'm amazed people still seem to have the time to get heated up about a few chuggers trying to make the world a better and a fairer place.

- Stickman, London

Susan Wilders,

Since you are big on facts, on what facts do base your claim that because some people do not like the notion of being stopped in the street and being asked (sometimes harrased) to commit to charitable giving makes them "cynical" and "uncaring"?

And actually, yeah, I wouldn't mind BT (or any telephone service provider) being stopped from allowing calls from people canvassing for charities, or stopping the junk mail that I get from charities either.

- Md, London, UK

I hate chuggers.
They try to stop you with a question that they think everyone will answer yes. Like 'do you like children?' If they get that initial yes they launch into their script.

So always try to come back with a snappy answer like 'no hate them' or 'But I couldn't eat a whole one'. Then walk off while they are speechless.

Course you can always tell them to 'flip off'.

It's all good.

I give to charities of my choice when I want. I do not want to have my charitable offerings supporting chuggers.

- Ethan, UK

"are we really so mean?"

Yes, yes we are now seriously, get out of my face!

It was bad enough with just the tourists...

- Al, London

They don't do any real harm. Come on Londoners! Are we really so mean that we can't see the good these 'chuggers' do for charities which obviously benefit from the work they do? If you can't afford to donate at least give them a smile!

- Carley, London

Seriously – you people! Absolutely unbelievable. Charities are not a business but they are professional. They have to be as the money they are raising (and spending) is for a good cause – rather than some shareholder's back pocket. If this method of fundraising did not work then charities simply wouldn’t use it, it’s hardly quantum physics. But while you are at it why don’t you ban Royal Mail for delivering charity letters or BT for allowing them to call people.

Or how about you people actually find out the facts before declaring yourselves experts. I really would like to know how you know how much street fundraising and their agencies are paid and how much goes to charities. I happen to work for a charity and I can tell you with no surprise you are wrong. Also, do you plan to have different rules for those charities that have their own teams and don’t use an agency or have you not given enough though to that?

I say let's round up all the cynical, uncaring people from the streets of London instead (I could easily name a few from this site) and let’s make this wonderful city a better place to live.

And just remember this – if being stopped is the worst thing that has happened to you today, then you are a lot better off than they people they are raising money for.

A lovely weekend to you all.

- Susan Wilders, London, UK

I've never stopped for a chugger - I just walk straight past and if they start talking to me, I ignore them. If everyone did that, they'd soon go away.

- Freya, London

So many people look for things to complain about these days! What is wrong with a happy person asking for a few minutes of your time to ask if you could donate a few pounds a week which will go towards making this planet a better place for everyone who lives on it? Get a life! I love charity fundraisers and think the streets of london would be poorer place without them.

- John Tisker, London

Annabelle, the charity commission states that no charities can spend more than 20% of the money they raise on administration.

The Charities Act '06 is quite clear that the law will not give councils the right to 'ban' chuggers. The law will, in fact, protect the right of charities to fundraise in this manner!

Not only is this method of fundraising great for the charities but it is very worth remembering that the third sector contitutes a large part of the British economy.

- Bill, London

I think they should be commended for doing what is a really difficult job! I give by direct debit to a few charities and often stop to chat to fundraisers. I always find the experience positive and its a quick and easy way for me to donate.
I find it more annoying to be asked if I've ever had an accident or if I need my hair cut! What is wrong with trying to help someone less well off than yourself?

- Julia Macleod, London, UK

We don't trust charities anyway... what with their expensive buildings, excessive administration, large salaries, lunches etc. - all paid for out of donations which should go to those really needing it.

- Annabelle, London

If you have an issue with the way a charity raises funds you should complain to the charity directly.

- Peter Wilson, UK

I take issue with Tom's comments. The chuggers are annoying! They put themselves directly in your path and immediately embark on a tough sales pitch. They wilfully ignore polite attempts to leave you alone - which forces people to be rude. If you live or work in central London it is like running a gauntlet just to buy some lunch and if you gave money every time you were asked you would require charity yourself.

It may be effective for charities to use these people - but it is annoying and intrusive and could ultimately tarnish the image of the charities involved in the long-term.

- James, London

That the work is done FOR "Charidee" is not is dispute.

But, as Pee Gynt correctly points out, these chuggers are trousering a solid wage and the "chugging" companies themselves are commercial operations that take their slice of the pie.

Seems as though this tactic of badgering people for money on the streets is a lucrative business for many souls who actually have no real connection with the actual charity concerned.

So, no, Tom Bruford, I feel no guilt at all about keeping away from these annoying pesterers!

- Steve R, London, UK

(For TB) From a person who gives regularly to charities both money and vast amount of time and soon to become a trustee of a charity.

They are a pain in the backside and many of them breach the law in the way they approach potential donees. They are no different from the time-share touts you encounter when you go abroad and are paid fairly handsomely from what I gather.

Simple rules.

Ignore them or if they stand in your way walk straight into them. They have just breached the law.

Give directly to charity.

Never sign anything in the street.

It really annoys me that having to put up with these people all week they have, over the last year, started turning up on Saturday mornings on our local high street.

- Mark, South-East London

Tom Bruford, this work, by the chuggers, is done for MONEY. They are not doing it out of the goodness of their hearts and more often than not they work for agencies that handle many accounts for different charities. They are not specialists in the charities they are earning money from.

I object to them because it is for me to decide when and how much I give to charity and I do not wish to be followed down the street by some grinning loon pleading with me "coz I'm a nice bloke", after I have politely told him "not today thanks", just because I happen to appear to fit a demographic they have been told to target.

Oh, and they have a history of being not entirely honest about how much you are giving actually finds its way to the account of the charity.

- Md, London, UK

Tom Bruford "I think its worth noting that this work is done for CHARITY" - Tom, I think its worth noting that this work is done for £12/14.00 an hour.
I make a standing order to a childrens charity for an amount I thought I could afford, yet I am pestered on the phone once a month to increase it. IT IS A BUSINESS.

- Peer Gynt, London

Get rid of them. Donating to charity via a chugger is an inefficient way of giving money to a good cause because the chugger is taking a cut.

- Pilko, London

"can never understand why these seemingly intelligent, young people don't feel the need to get a proper job! - Steve R, London, UK"

Because they get paid between £12/15.00 an hour. Also the first £40.00 from what you pledge goes to expenses.

- Pee Gynt, London

We hear a lot of complaints about 'chuggers' but I can't help but admire the work they do. Yes, they can be annoying, but its the easiest thing in the world to say 'no' and keep walking. These people are out in all weathers, working for good causes, and one can't help thinking that the main objectors are people who feel guilty that they haven't stopped and given a little of their time or money. I think its worth noting that this work is done for CHARITY, and if it wasn't lucrative for charities they would find other methods of fundraising. Westminster would do better to concentrate on removing pickpockets and drug dealers from their streets before picking on some over-enthusiastic kids working for charities.

- Tom Bruford, London

I can never understand why these seemingly intelligent, young people don't feel the need to get a proper job!

- Steve R, London, UK

Good idea. I work on The Strand and every time I leave the office I get accosted. When I have only got five minutes to rush out and get a sandwich at lunchtime, I find it really annoying to have these people deliberately step in front of me in order to stop me.

- Ann, London

Great news - when I go to get a sandwich in my lunch hour there can be as many as twelve on the street, both sides, I am absolutely sick of running their gauntlet.

- Jerry Logue, England

What annoys me is the fact that the same team of chuggers is "collecting" for one charity one day outside my office and another two days later! Ban them all.

- Al, Reading, UK

I find a polite "I think you're doing a fantastic job, but not for me thanks", usually disarms them from interrogating me.

- Karl, London

I hope other boroughs follow suit. I can't bear being accosted by these people every night on my way to the tube, some of them are very rude. In any case, by the time the charities have paid the fees to cover the costs of these people the money raised is minimal.

- Jane, London

Why don't they extend this to cover all of London? Nobody likes being pestered while walking up the street.

- Phil Jones, London

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