Should Charities Be Able To Put Up "Road Blocks"?

Question

IDK if this happens around where you live, but every so often a certain charity will put up a voluntary "road block" or "toll" by having people stand at traffic lights and collect money.

Not only do I have to watch out for other cars, I have to be careful not to hit this guy standing in the middle of the road.

It also really messes up traffic because people will get chit chatting with these people and miss the light.

And how do I really know this is a charity and not a scam.

Don't get me wrong, I think giving to philanthropic organizations are important, and I do my share.

But if every charity would want to do this, traffic would always be tied up. Especially rush hour.

Do what do you think, is it wrong to think this way and does any charity have the right to stand in the middle of a public street.

Or are there better, and safer ways of collecting for an organization?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

Where I live you get caught you get a ticket. That's for first time offenders. The next step is you get hauled off to jail.

Answer 3

I find it annoying, and a public safety issue too.

I'm all for trying to raise money for charity, but this is an inappropriate method.

Answer 4

It's ridiculous.  I hate it when people beg for money like that.  I drive a convertible and when they come to ask me for money I roll up my window with the top down and act like I can't hear them.  I think it's hilarious.

Secondarily, you're absolutely right to think these might be scams.  Anybody can get a big bucket and say they're collecting for charity.  Donate to charities you are familiar with and trust.  I also urge you to find out what percent of your donation goes to the cause.  Some of the most popular charities you can think of give less than 10% of their income to their cause.  (seriously--think of two charities by name.  Yeah, those two.)

Answer 5

Don't know what country you live in, but I think in the UK it would be illegal.

In reality you are being press-ganged into giving. Giving should be totally voluntary.