Go Fund Me AIBU or are there too many.

I don’t give unless I either know the people or they’re verified by someone I trust.

I'm afraid I'm very cynical about these and only donate to those I know personally, or can be verified another way.
Mean maybe, but only so many pennies to share.

When pressured I say that I have chosen the three charities I am supporting for this year. I review the charities in January.

I saw one on FB of a woman wanting to fund her cat’s operation.

I find there are many that ask for money for things that people should fund themselves without help from anyone. I don't have a problem with it though. People can set one up and it's up to others if they want to give. Don't like the cause? Don't give. Move on.

vegansrock

I saw one on FB of a woman wanting to fund her cat’s operation.

I don’t really have much experience of Go Fund Me, other than the one that was on here.
But this doesn’t surprise me at all.
My little dog has got to have an operation on her cruciate ligament.
Fortunately I have very good insurance (PetPlan - it’s the best).
Otherwise it would be costing me £4000!
It does make me wonder what others do, especially those without insurance.

It does make me wonder what others do, especially those without insurance.

Well, they obviously hope others will dip in their pockets and pay for the upkeep of their pets Fanny.

Surely a case of thinking through all the implications of owning a pet, before getting one.

Yes, I quite agree Calendargirl.
I actually think that insuring your animals should be compulsory.

I don’t like Go Fund Me so I don’t contribute.
Our area had a series of fund raising events recently to help a family where one of the children suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident. I’m happy to contribute to genuine need like that.
I support a specific dog breed charity. Occasionally we fund raise for a specific dog in foster care. I don’t contribute to GFM on social media. How do we know it’s genuine. Also, the cost of possible vet bills should be factored in before you get a dog. Mine are insured. There are RSPCA centres where animals will be treated for minimal amounts if the owner is in receipt of certain benefits

And the PDSA
When I was a student we took our cat there to be treated, and borrowed a friend’s proof of benefits

I have given support to two GFM to worthy causes and I am glad I did. It’s not forced on us we can contribute if we would like to and I have done gladly.
I think it’s a personal choice and as long as it helps a necessary cause I would do it again.

I have donated to one cause only - and that was raising money for a Gransnetter's surgery.

It makes me a bit cross that people needing disability equipment have to use GFM and are not entitled to help from NHS.

I worked for years with people who had suffered a brain injury, and when I watched programmes about miracle equipment for people with disabilities I used to think "I wish." No way these life-changing items would be available to non-millionaires.

I don't donate to anyone that I don't know. A close friend set up a GFM page for another friend some years ago, when I asked the first person about it she explained that a percentage was withheld by the administration of GFM site.........I donated directly to the cause and bypassed GFM.

I`ve only ever donated to one cause, for a well loved Gransnetter`s operation. I think I`d need to know the person before donating.

There is an actress in Go Fund Me at the moment trying to raise money as her (famous ish) husband has left her for another woman and according to her has left her 'destitute'. I'm sorry. She is a young woman and needs to get a grip.

Sorry Kate, I’m nosy! Who is the actress / her husband?

Alice Evans. Ioan Gruffudd (with apologies to him for probably spelling his name wrong).
I am probably doing Alice a disservice as I don't know the ins and outs but it seems a bit cheeky to ask for money. Still if people wish to donate, it's up to them. She probably feels desperate.

If I knew the person and was 100% sure it was genuine I would consider donating but otherwise I don't ever donate to anything online.....

Thank you Kate!
It does sound a bit strange, and rather desperate.

Like most things, it started out as a good idea, but now appears to have become abused by people who expect things handed to them on a plate. Very unfair on the people trying to raise money for genuine needs, as a lot of potential donators have probably become cynical about the whole thing.

I knew exactly who you were meaning KATE1949 before I even read your reply.....So sad that her hubby has walked out on her and his children but it happens every day and mum's have to keep it together for the children...Hes a Hollywood actor now and I imagine he sill supports his family....Alice has been on numerous TV programmes tearing him apart and her rants online make me think she might be unwell over all this....Maybe another publicity stunt....Defo wouldn't dream of donating to her GO FUND ME...

Exactly Mine . I feel sorry for anyone this happens to but most people have to muddle through.
Maybe she felt she had nowhere to turn which is sad.

I’ve donated money to good causes where there’s a personal element to it but I wouldn’t be donating to anyone’s honeymoon or anything! Where my dd lives, someone recently asked for donations for her son’s gap year overseas expedition. No offer of him doing any work in return, such as gardening or car washing. There was a resounding silence in response to her request.

I've donated to a couple of things where I knew the people benefiting personally, but I suppose some people just have a brass neck and want other people to foot the bill for everything. It's a shame, as there are obviously very deserving causes which do benefit from it - but there will always be those who use something like this in a way which is not what it was really intended for. But no-one HAS to contribute to anything...

I suppose if you don't ask you don't get. Personally I have my favourite charities and they get my money if I have any to give.