Should You Give Money to Strangers Asking for Help on a Rainy Day?

On a miserable rainy day, a man knocks on your door and asks for 5 pounds so he can afford the bus fare and get home. Would you give him the 5 pounds? This question is not just a moral dilemma but a reflection of our societal attitudes toward charity and helping those in need.

For many years, I believed the stories of people asking for money. However, with experience, I have learned that there are individuals who specifically go out in rainy weather to ask for funds. They often point vaguely towards a distant area, claiming their car is broken down or out of gas, and ask for varying amounts of money—such as 42 pounds to get the car to where 'poor old mom' is waiting, or 38 pounds for a bus ticket to Riverside. If you dig a little deeper and ask to see the car, the story gets increasingly vague.

Theft and Deception

These tactics often involve asking for a specific amount, which they claim is the exact fare for the bus. However, if you follow this story, it is highly likely that they may get several pounds from different people for the same 'bus ride home.' This type of behavior is not uncommon and is often seen as theft.

For a mile or so to the nearest bus stop, I would offer a cup of tea and help them if I believed them. The bus fare to the nearest stop in town is 2.70 pounds, and that stop is in an industrial estate. Traveling 10 minutes by car is a more practical option.

Personal Experiences

That said, there are still instances where we might choose to help despite knowing that the vast majority of such requests might be fraudulent. In my personal experience, more than twenty-five years ago, a young, clean-cut US military serviceman approached me on Park Avenue and asked for help to pay for his bus ride home out of state. Although I could hardly afford it, I believed him and gave him 20 pounds.

This incident taught me that even when the image presented is clear and genuine, the decision to help is complex. It involves empathy, morality, and the weighing of risks against rewards.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to give money to strangers is a personal choice influenced by our values and past experiences. On a rainy day, one might be more inclined to help, but the responsibility to protect oneself from potential scams must also be considered. Whether you choose to give or not, the act of questioning and seeking more information can help in making better decisions in the future.

Keywords: rainy day, charity, strangers