I read with disgust the letter you published in MyCity Logan (April 26-May 2) about graffiti and littering at some of our op shops. I also heard you speak about this issue on radio.
As someone who frequents these types of shop, I like to think that the relationship between myself and the shop is mutually beneficial. I am able to find things I need or like, and by paying for them I’m helping a charity along the way.
I also like to think that people who donate their belongings to charity are doing so in good spirits, in the knowledge that they’re not only cleaning out some space in their homes, but also helping generate funds for people in need.
Then I read that people are taking advantage of the system. If I was reading and hearing right, people are potentially taking these goods away from the hands of charity, and instead looking to profit from them by selling them on the internet.
The photo you published is distressing, not only because a volunteer is probably going to have to clean it up, but because it reminds us all that there are people in our communities who couldn’t care less about their fellow man.
You labelled these people as “grubby”. That’s far too kind. They are a menace to our communities and need to be dealt with by the police and the courts.
I, like the person who wrote the letter last week, don’t understand why anyone would want to steal from charities. Some of these same people will probably be queuing up, asking the same charities they’ve stolen from for a handout in one of their programs.
And you know what? The people working for the charity, because they are the kind, loving souls that they are, will give them a helping hand, even if they knew what they’d just done.
Why? Because that’s what caring is all about. It’s just a shame some people don’t get it and continue to happily steal from the hand that feeds them.
Sonia S,
via email.
