Should charity adverts be restricted before Christmas ?

I suppose they must get some return for their payment to the TV companies, Whethertomorrow or they wouldn't do it. It is a bit of overload at this time of year though, and I understand that it makes you feel bad that you can't help them all. Nobody can help them all, so you have to make your own decisions about which charity or charities you want to support and how much you want to donate. Then stick to that and try to ignore the constant barrage of appeals. After all, there will always be someone else who will prefer a charity which is not on your list. Consider that these adverts are probably aimed at younger people who have not yet thought of a favourite charity of their own.

I've no objection to them being shown around Christmas time, because that is when you'd hope people might be touched by the spirit of giving to those less fortunate.

It's uncomfortable watching, but most people could spare a pound or two, instead of spending it on napkins, or pigs in blankets, or any of the other trimmings.

I think it is exactly the right time to jog our consciences at a time when most people are splashing the cash or tapping the financial app don’t you?

I have no objection to them being shown, they need money so
are asking for money in a season of Goodwill

RosiesMaw2

I think it is exactly the right time to jog our consciences at a time when most people are splashing the cash or tapping the financial app don’t you?

I agree.

I've just sent for charity Christmas cards which are cheaper than the stamp which goes on them.

I must acknowledge how generous some people are . We had a stall in a large supermarket last week to explain how our foodbank works, and asking if people could add a tin or packet to their shopping to donate.
The response was overwhelming. Of course, some replies were less than courteous (!) and there were those who said they couldn't afford it, which was completely understandable, but it was a pretty heartwarming morning.

I miss most adverts by watching BBC . Daytime tv does seem to lay it on thick with these ads plus funeral plans.
My advice is get a good recorder and then zoom through them.
No need to drown in a sea of sorrow especially if you have done what you possibly can by way of charitable acts.

I have no problem with them being shown but I do wonder about the request for an actual amount. £19 for some and I saw one for about £28 the other day.

Of course when you go to donate they give you options to give what you like but I wonder if people are put off with the prices shown on the advert.

Without a doubt, I'd say.
There's no way I'd be dictated to about how much I can give, or told I must have a direct debit arrangement.

Those donkey ads, though, they really, really get to me.

Louella12

I have no problem with them being shown but I do wonder about the request for an actual amount. £19 for some and I saw one for about £28 the other day.

Of course when you go to donate they give you options to give what you like but I wonder if people are put off with the prices shown on the advert.

I wonder what those amounts represent?
Sometime people like to donate for something specific such as food for a day, bedding, a night in a shelter etc rather than a generic £5 £10 or £25

I mute a lot of ads, on both radio* and TV. Not usually any charity ones, just those that particularly irritate me, especially those with anyone in ecstasies about FRESH!!!!

Pre Christmas is a time when I do habitually donate to charities for the homeless, though. They make me particularly grateful for having a warm, secure roof over my head.

*Classic FM is awash with particularly irritating ones, over and over and over. All too often I forget to un-mute though….

I ignore them, our monthly DD’s got to local charities of our choice and extra to the homeless society in Southampton at Christmas.

I always buy charity Christmas cards, and donate to my charities of choice.

Christmas is when people are most likely to be generous, so the charities probably do benefit from putting their needs in front of people.
I do agree though that they would be better saying "It costs us £XX a day to provide such-and-such a thing for someone, please send us that much" instead of just stating what seems a random amount.

Definitely not ban them. It's hard enough for charities to stay viable as it is. Stop them from political activism if anything. Although what left is there that hasn't been politicised.

It’s the donkeys and bears that get to me MissA but I have direct debits to them.

Ah, that's nice to hear.
It's difficult to decide who to support, I found.

Surely when we are all sitting cosy with full bellies and decorations that is the exact time to show charity ads making us realise it’s not so good for everyone

Absolutely don’t pull them, if even a few people donate I’ll put up with feeling uncomfortable.

I think you have what’s called “compassion fatigue” OP. It’s exhausting isn’t it?

Be kind to yourself and choose one charity and show them your love with a small direct debit, and a small legacy in you will!

You’re not responsible for all the ills of the world, and you have the power to vote in those who will change policy towards those less fortunate.

We have a charity which we like to donate to.
The ads will get a few people reaching for their phones to donate, but not us.

I see exactly where you are coming from Whethertomorrow
Someone I know wanted help with an online charity donation. They were responding to a mailshot. It transpired that they were being inundated with postal requests for money by charities and were donating to all of them because they felt they an obligation. I was so shocked at what they were telling me. I dread to think of the impact these very engineered TV adverts might have on some people.
I’ve cut down on charity donations over the years and very felt guilty stopping some of the direct debits.

There was a case of an elderly lady who committed suicide as she said she couldn't afford to send replies to charities donations sent to her through post.her house was full of charity begging letters . Ive never forgotten it. horrific

We give about half a dozen Christmas cards to nearest/dearest and donate a significant sum to local charities in addition to those we support year round. No cash to the privatised ‘Royal’ Mail, and kinder to the environment.