...and I didn't have my camera. (bangs. head. on. desk.)
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Of course, it was in aid of Children in Need. The British seem to approach charitable giving differently from Americans. I couldn't find statistics comparing amounts between Americans and Brits, but the style of fundraising is certainly different.
In the states, it seems often to be corporations that make the major contributions, as well as donations given by individuals via their salaries (planned giving) as opposed to "spare change" donations traditionally practiced by UK givers. Telethons are also big money-spinners in the states, even though everyone hates them.
Here, there are a lot of national drives and they take wackier and more in-your-face forms than you commonly see in the states. Comic Relief is huge and virtually everyone participates in one way or another, whether simply wearing a red ball on their nose or providing other comedy relief in the streets and offices.
The Poppy Appeal just finished as well and you'd be hard-pressed to find a single celebrity not wearing a paper poppy on their lapel. Same with people in the streets. (The Poppy Appeal is not a horticultural charity, rather a movement by the Royal British Legion in aid of military veterans)
And of course, Children in Need is a biggy, sponsored by the BBC, who really make an event out charitable appeals.
All good fun and very community spirited.
Posted by Lisa at November 15, 2002 01:25 PM