In Reply to: Begging children posted by Stuff on Monday, 20. June 2005 at 15:43 Bali Time:
and I too have a fear of being bombarded or even worse if you produce money for one and not all, unfortunately I do the same and just say a flat out no. This is going to sound really, really harsh and I'll probably cop it but I think the less money the begging children are given when they do beg, the more likely they may grow to realise work is really a better option. Look its really tuff life and we all wish we could help every single one of them I know. Maybe that is being naive, perhaps even just an excuse for me but I don't give to beggers at home either, I know, I know, its all ok for me to sit back on my $3,000 holiday and judge but thats the way I think. Personally, every year I do a clean out of old clothes that I haven't worn in ages and take them all over. I raid the hubby's closet, my sisters gives me their old clothes, kids clothes and even some stuffed toys. I give them to the same family each year and also take the kids colouring pencils that you can buy from Coles for next to nothing and I always leave any toiletries, cleaning products etc that I use myself while Im there. They all share within their villages too so things go a long way. Also you could gather up old eye glasses from friends and relatives as there is a big foundation set up to help with poorly sighted over there, you'll find heaps of info in the archives. Im lucky to have a very wonderful friendship with a Balinese family who we have known and supported for years so I focus on them.