16 Comments
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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

I know I will sound harsh to some, and that is fine, but I have struggled financially plenty of times in my own life. What I do not understand is when tragedy became synonymous with fundraising.

Givealittle is pretty much Griftalittle these days, clogged with pointless and avoidable causes. The last time I donated was after a friend passed away, not to cover funeral costs because he had that sorted like most people do, but to help fly friends and family in from overseas. Being hit with a sudden death and then needing to get on a flight from London is brutal, and I know many of you reading this have been through that.

What I am sick of is Givealittles popping up where the hardship is often self inflicted, or at the very least avoidable. This one has already pulled in over $5,000.

Anyway, the main thing is that Laylah-Mae pulls through. In the meantime, I needed a vent, because seeing that fundraiser so quickly made me pretty whākn’ mad.

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John J Harrison's avatar

Beyond appealing.

Zero parental responsibility except for pleading for money, money, money.

Have they approached the multimillion Iwi who are provided $ millions per annum from our hard earned taxes to “ educate “ their beneficiaries in parental responsibility ?

No, thought not !

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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

I just hate how tragedy now instantly turns into a fundraising drive. There are clearly people in society so broke, or so opportunistic, that they see disaster not as a moment for reflection or responsibility, but as dollar signs, rushing to spin up a Givealittle and spam it across a shit tonne of Facebook community groups.

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John J Harrison's avatar

Should read “ beyond appalling “.

Apologies.

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Chris Gollins's avatar

That took courage Matua. How rare today. But it’s only by highlighting the lack of parental responsibility - a 24/7 commitment - as truthfully as you have - that some future repetitions of child trauma may be avoided. You may have saved a life or lives today. Totally support your Grift-a-lot comments.

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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

I read the article as soon as it popped up on my RSS feed at 6pm. I then tracked down the Givealittle page, saw that $5,000 had already been raised, and started writing immediately. This one genuinely angered me.

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ash's avatar

sometimes the truth is harsh and insensitive but it is about time someone raises the issue.

hell, take the sand dune dad that got killed. a family member started it yet no money went to his partner (or kids?) and their was a shite fight over it.

personally id be ashamed and angered if something tragic happens close to home in my immediate family and someone started a givealittle. its just a blatant and sad grift and to use it as an emotional findraising tool is rather sick to be honest.

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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

I feel exactly the same. I’ve already got my natural burial sorted so no one needs to worry about extensive costs. No funeral service. Just put me in the ground, throw some dirt over me and plant a New Zealand native tree on top.

I’d also love a woven harakeke casket, handmade by me, for them to grab and toss me into.

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Michele Bishop's avatar

100% agree with your comment Matua. Negligence is a great killer of kids if not the pool, then the driveway and on and on it goes. What about small creeks, they are not fenced? A slightly older kid could get over a fence and then drown. Parental negligence.

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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

It really is that simple. Keep your children under direct, close supervision around roads, driveways, pools and ponds.

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David Hancock's avatar

Went to a funeral in Nth Taranaki hill country last week. Big one too. Sheep & cattle farmers. The lady ordered herself up a woollen casket…

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Elfride's avatar

A lovely shroud worked beautifully for my family member -- no need for a casket.

https://www.akeakeshrouds.co.nz

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Matua Kahurangi's avatar

Good on her!

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Mrs Ward's avatar

I’m afraid you spoke too soon Matua regarding the Herald omitting the Give-a-little page. Big news today 🙄

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Cath's avatar

Harsh but true. Toddlers need constant supervision. How on earth did she get in a pool with nobody noticing? What a tragic thing to happen to this poor wee child, because even if they survive, chances are there will be irreparable brain damage 💔

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