Alternative Giving Campaign an Alternative Waste

“Wellington City Council’s Alternative Giving campaign has proven to be as successful as selling ice to Eskimos,” says Affordable Wellington Northern Ward candidate Reagan Cutting. “Had the council thrown cash from the top of a skyscraper into the Wellington wind, it would have been more effective.”

The concept behind the Alternative Giving campaign is that people should avoid giving donations to beggars and instead donate to a charity dedicated to helping the homeless. “This campaign has cost Wellington ratepayers nearly $40,000 so far, yet yielded only $1,000 in donations. Putting your money into pokie machines would statistically give a better return. At least gaming charities would have benefited in the process.”

Mr. Cutting believes no amount of action by the city council will eliminate begging and the Council shouldn’t even try to do so. “When the Red Cross or Cancer Foundation run their street appeals, does anyone have any real objection? If the person asking for assistance isn’t causing genuine nuisance or using intimidation, is their solicitation really a problem?”

“Council can do more to help the homeless by keeping rates and therefore the cost of living in a home low, than they ever will with these silly campaigns.”

Reagan Cutting is one of two Affordable Wellington candidates standing for Wellington City Council. The other is Phil Howison, standing in Onslow-Western ward.

www.affordable.org.nz
www.facebook.com/affordablecity

ENDS

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