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I've been wanting to write this thread for some time now, and this is directed to people who ask for donations via social media, whether it's for NGOs or self-initiated projects for the underprivileged and those in need.
DON'T ONLY THANK THE RICH AND THE TITLED.
DON'T ONLY THANK THE RICH AND THE TITLED.
I see you sometimes, befriending senior citizens like my mum. The generation that has the most amount of time to go on Facebook, connecting, and frequently, affected by stories of tragedy and adversity.
And they feel they must do good with whatever time is left on this Earth.
And they feel they must do good with whatever time is left on this Earth.
Periodically, you post that money is needed for this ethnic group or that migrant group or a particular kampung damaged by floods and so forth. It's great that you devote your time and energy to ensure these people are treated with dignity and aren't left by the wayside. BUT...
When you ask people to donate, you should be very clear that you’re actually looking for donations only in the high triple or better yet - four digit figures. That you reluctantly accept those who can only donate RM20, RM50 and the like.
Why do I say this? Well...
Why do I say this? Well...
It’s kinda hard NOT to notice that you don’t thank the people who only donate a small amount. To YOU it’s a pittance, but senior citizens - especially those who are NOT pensioners - do you bloody understand what that amount is for them? It’s from whatever savings they HAVE LEFT.
Shame on YOU that you gush over this Datuk or that Datin for their “generous” donation, and ignore people like my 70+ mother who insists on donating - but because they want to donate to many places, they limit themselves to maybe RM50-100 for each cause.
It pains me when my mum donates to this or that and then asks me - “did they get it? Bcs they thanked all these people but since they didn’t tag me, I’m not sure they got it?”
This one pissed me off the most. An FB connection of my mum’s posted an appeal for help...
This one pissed me off the most. An FB connection of my mum’s posted an appeal for help...
...for migrant families that were struggling here. My mum transferred RM250 that same day. She DM-ed the lady and a perfunctory “thanks” was the reply. But a few days after that came this long, gushing thanks on FB for some Datin who donated a couple of thousand.
RIGHT.
RIGHT.
Do you know how bad my mum felt when she saw that? That her RM250 from her life savings was worth nothing. I mean, “thanks”?
Damn it - I say “thanks” when someone does something nice but definitely if someone goes out of their way, they deserve more thank just “thanks”!
Damn it - I say “thanks” when someone does something nice but definitely if someone goes out of their way, they deserve more thank just “thanks”!
Another incident from a few years ago - a solar lamp initiative for an Orang Asli settlement. So my mum donated like RM200 or something. The girl was decent at first, but when my mum asked her if she could get any pics to repost on FB, that chica got snippy and rude.
Eh hello - if someone wants to repost your initiative bcs they gave money that’s earned media lah, you should be encouraging this not admonishing people and telling them you have no time for social media “nonsense”.
Really? Didn’t you solicit for funds via social media?
Really? Didn’t you solicit for funds via social media?
So if you are one of those who take for granted whatever little donations come from senior citizens - SHAME ON YOU. You should be putting more value on what senior citizens donate no matter how little, bcs that’s ALL they have left in this world.
Datuks/Datins/Tan Sris/Puan Sris - they can afford to part with thousands bcs thousands more most likely come monthly. But Warga Emas - every ringgit means something they’re going to do without. So please, start being more appreciative of old folks.
Don’t dismiss them.
Don’t dismiss them.
