Don't usually use the AIBU thread, and still not sure if this is where this post should be!

I think I would ask these "friends" whether they feel guilty accepting things from a charity if they do not donate to it? I would also point out that if everyone thought the way they did she would not have her stick or audio books.

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to get people to donate to a charity so well done to you for raising money for such a good cause.

Bravo to you, phoenix, for your courage and caring heart!

I think your the couple who refused you have a very sad attitude. However, if they choose not to give to charities, that's their right. What astounds me is how rude they have been to you over this! Perhaps they "protest too much" and are really feeling guilty about their selfishness?

Anyhow, I agree with those who are questioning this so-called "friendship." I think you and DH should at least table it for a while.

What saddens me is that even if they didn't really want to support the charity I would think that as your friend they would want to support YOU. To be quite candid that's why I sponsored you; that the charity is one I'm happy to support is just a bonus as far as I'm concerned.
My little charity had a big fundraising concert this week and my classical-music loving mother-in-law bought tickets, not because she particularly liked the music, but because she loves to support me.

I’m saddened at the attitude of your friends phoenix, also infuriated on your behalf. I’m also wondering if you want friendship with people with such a narrow outlook. I always think friends come in concentric circles, from the closest to those way out on the edge. Guess where I’d place these people? My family have had cause to value Macmillan in the past and who knows about the future. I can only hope these people support RNIB and are more sensitive in the way they speak to others. Ignore them, congratulations on braving the shave.

Macmillan and Cancer Research are my 2 favourite charities and I would support them at every opportunity phoenix. I imagine that pretty much everyone either has been personally affected by cancer or has someone dear to them who has been affected. And all of them have felt the benefits that these 2 charities have brought, as a direct result of people like you - who have got out there and actively raised money, or people like me who have donated money. We shall just have to hope that your friends never have the need to draw on Macmillan at any time in their lives, won't we? Because otherwise, they might have to reflect on how they turned their backs on you when you were trying to raise money to help them. Can you tell I'm steaming mad on your behalf?

I think I'd be telling her where to shove her white roller ball stick.

PECS sad to say, that they would take not a jot of notice of that!

Last year I did Cancer Research walk for life, all my friends, neighbours and acquaintances were so generous, I had set out to raise £50 and ended up with £310. The only refusals was from the members of a monthly group that I had been going to for quite some time who like the people you mention, said no they wouldn’t sponsor me I was quite shocked as I’ve never refused anyone.
When I told OH he said ‘and you spend some of your precious leisure time with these people’
I thought about it and I’ve not not met up with those people from that day to this, do I miss them, no!

Well done for your support for MacMillan. phoenix Whilst some charities appear to spend a deal of cash on infrastructure and admin salaries you can always find their accounts on websites which shows how much spent on charitable works. Have a look at Macmillan to see if you can present 'friends' with facts and figures of the good your fundraising will support.
Sad that people do tend to look for reasons not to support charities. The recent scandals have not helped but for the sake of a few (very) bad apples all the massive good work is negated...so sad.

I am happy to give to certain charities and feel that, these days, the money does go to the right place. Obviously, you have to be selective or you would end up giving away all of your money.

Years ago, I think some of the money was hived off in the wrong direction but the legislation these days is, I am told, much stricter.

I like to be optimistic about it anyway. Well done on braving the shave.

Bathsheba you've got it one, it's the double standards that really invade my nasal cavity!

Riverwalk, If I looked a quarter as good as that, I would be a very happy Phoenix!

With friends like those, who needs enemies? Ignore them Phoenix.

Heavens! Hypocrites and double standards immediately spring to mind. I'm not sure I'd want to meet with these people phoenix .
I reckon muffin's got it right .

Miserable swines!
Maybe they feel a bit rotten for being so mean, hence the snippy comments.

Not unreasonable at all - I'd have been furious too and Mr W would certainly have given them short shrift!!

It's a bit sad that they don't give to charities …. don't think I know anyone who doesn't give to charity. I'd drop them if I were you!

As for your new look …. I'm thinking Jean Seberg or Sinead O'Connor

Seberg

B*gger them

P give them the names of a few smaller charities that they could support, where the chief execs are paid a relatively modest salary, like Crisis.
Don’t let them spoil your pride in your achievement - jolly well done you

Are you sure you want to meet up with these folk every week!!!!

Well done for braving the shave!!!

Sorry for all the typos