Imagine a world where charity comes without judgement, without strings and without dehumanization. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Charity is meant to be benevolent and a selfless act of humanity.
Where is the humanity when we force recipients of our charity to humiliate themselves by having their photo taken for the paper, pass a means test or be paraded by all the gifts that we, the givers have gathered for them?
In my career as a social worker, I encounter many families who could really use a hand up given with discretion and tact. When I see what hoops people have to jump through in order to be on the receiving end of our supposed charity, it makes me throw up in my mouth more than a little bit.
I understand the need for accountability for the distribution of donated funds and goods but couldn’t it be done without the public shaming? I believe it can.
When I get involved with a family because their child is not attending school, it breaks my heart to learn that they have been at home because there is only one set of winter clothing and the children have to take turns sharing it or there is only enough food for one school lunch and the food bank is not available to them for another two weeks.
Kids are picky eaters and tweens and teens are very sensitive about things like backpacks and clothes. I hear far too often that the family has been the recipient of our charity and they need to learn to take what they get. How judgemental and sad is that?
I would urge everyone to pause when they engage in charitable donations. Will there be public shaming involved? Does the giving come with strings? Does the donation go where it needs to go, with discretion?
Charity is a hard thing to swallow and we should not dehumanize people along the way.
I would encourage you with the upcoming holiday season, to you stop to consider how you are giving. Donors are well intentioned with big hearts, but there has to be a better way. Please give pause for thought.
Audrey Morrison