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Gofundme rant.....

6K views 59 replies 34 participants last post by  Jayknee 
#1 ·
I find Gofundme to be dang near criminal. I belong to dozens of horse, and working/hunting dog pages on social media, and it blows my mind that people are willing to beg money from complete strangers to benefit them selves. I see folks who have dogs that break a leg and expect the world to dig in their pockets and support their habit, I see horses, either bought in bad shape, or neglected and folks set up an account to care for them.

I will say that I have chipped into some gofundme drives when a neighbors house burned or for the care of a child when insurance ran out, but I cannot see paying someone else bills for their pets......

Am I a cold, callous person? Am I the only person who feels this way?

Jim
 
#2 ·
I recently ran across one well-to-do woman who started a gofundme account so she could take a trip to Europe. Like, I'm glad you want to see the world and expand your cultural horizons, but save up your own darn money and do it yourself, that's what I did. I'm all for having pets, I think everyone should grow up having them, they teach valuable lessons. And I understand that crazy stuff happens that sometimes you cannot afford. It's life. It happens. But that's why you should have an emergency account set aside for situations like that. I don't expect anyone but me to pay for my animals. They're MY animals, not anyone else's, and I should be responsible for their care.

-- Kai
 
#3 ·
There are a lot of scams. I know a woman that has raised $600 to buy herself a horse on Go Fund Me.

There are a few I do support. One is a young boy who is dying of cancer and his parents are trying to take him to Hawaii before he gets to sick. He isn't going to make it to Christmas and they want to give him one last chance to be a kid but can't afford it.

Another situation is say the flood horses. I understand donating to help people who have lost everything pay for the vet bills.

But a broken leg on a dog? Most vets have payment options or Care Credit for things like that.
 
#6 ·
I see a place for it. As someone who has done a lot of fundraising for nonprofits, I appreciate how difficult it is to access resources as foundations, individuals, and corporations significantly cut back giving and there's nothing else to take its place. With so few safety nets these days, I think a lot of people are desperate and appealing to strangers is their last opportunity.

Sure, there are some really silly or superfluous requests out there, but I'm not offended by people putting their wants and dreams out there- doesn't mean I have to give to their cause, but no harm to me. I just don't mind if people use it for their own needs that might seem like a luxury to us- maybe that "rich woman wanting to go to Europe" just lost a kid to cancer and the GoFundMe page is a way for her friends and family to help her healing. I can see how it's weird for people to promote their personal stuff heavily on Facebook with people who aren't really friends & family, but I just figure I don't have to look at stuff that seems extravagant to me from people I don't know. I don't see how it could be "abused"- no one has to donate to something they don't support. If you can convince people to give you money to buy yourself a horse, how is that hurting anyone? And if you fall for a dishonest scam through something like that, I think that's more your problem than the person making the request.
 
#35 ·
I don't see how it could be "abused"- no one has to donate to something they don't support. If you can convince people to give you money to buy yourself a horse, how is that hurting anyone? And if you fall for a dishonest scam through something like that, I think that's more your problem than the person making the request.
So in your mind it's okay to lie, cheat, and scam others out of money simply because they have a good heart and believe the money will be going to a good cause?

There's so much wrong with your post, and I'm amazed you believe it's the fault of naive/generous people if some low-life scum scams money from them.

Yes, let's blame the VICTIMS of a scammer, not the piece of garbage doing the scamming. SMH.

I won't donate to people who beg for money to buy luxury items, especially horses. If you can't afford the purchase price, how the heck are you going to be able to afford ongoing care?
 
#7 ·
People definitely abuse it, but then again people will abuse anything they can get their hands on. I've seen a GoFundMe for a freaking Xbox, etc. Like...come on now.
Half the time you don't really know what the money's going for. Anyone can scam I feel like. But then again, I don't use it and won't fund anyone. Unless it's REALLY TRULY for a good cause. But I'm not going to pay for someone's new Xbox or new car, etc. LOL that's just silly. Gotta work for stuff!
 
#8 ·
rereading my own post I decided that I have that opinion becuase I wouldn't, in my current state in life, ever think of begging for money for anything. however, I should really not be so judgemental, since I have not experienced the position that some folks are in where begging is the only option.

it's just that the idea of gofundme is odd to me. I grew up in a different time, when people relied on family or church for extra help.
 
#9 ·
Just the other day there was a case on Judge Judy over some fundraisers and gofundme accounts. They were raising money for a child with cancer who had actually died 17 years ago. How crazy is that?

I stay away from most any kind of charity. Salvation Army absolutely has my support and my charity towards animals consists of us giving an animal in need a new home when we can and we certainly don't ask or expect anyone else to help us out with their care.

Don't even get me started on the amount of our tax money that goes to help out other countries. I'm not for that either. I must have been raised in the same time frame as Tiny Liny because I was also taught that you take care of yourself and yours.
 
#10 ·
Can't stand seeing 90% of those go fund me pages!! A "friend" of mine set one up so she could go to GERMANY to "expore her roots" after she was done with her birthright trip to Israel! She has some nerve I tell you!

I can see go fund me for certain things, for example an extreme hardship, like losing your stuff in a fire, but funding your kids pony club team? COME ON. How about teaching your kids about hardwork, like selling raffles, cookie dough, candles, bake sales, car washes, etc. Or, heaven forbid, saying "I'm sorry kids, not this year".
 
#11 ·
There are bound to be genuine cases but how does one know which are?

I give to certain charities by donating small change in collection boxes but even then I am fussy over which ones.

I support the local Air Ambulance, a local charity that trains dogs for disabled children. I refuse to give to the RSPCA as they spend way to much money on political issues. When the CEO of OXFAM gets ridiculous silly money I will not support.

I have supported KIVA for many years, just a small amount that goes to helping people in poverty start a business. They get a loan, interest free, when it is paid back you can have your money back or leave it to go into helping someone else. Haven't a clue as to how much I have put in there but every Christmas instead of sending Christmas cards I invest the money in KIVA.
 
#12 ·
I find Gofundme to be dang near criminal. I belong to dozens of horse, and working/hunting dog pages on social media, and it blows my mind that people are willing to beg money from complete strangers to benefit them selves.
I unfriended an acquaintance because she posted asking money for a new saddle. It just seemed extremely rude to ask your friends who also have horses to give money so you can buy a new saddle. Especially because I'm always game for a new saddle, but I have to save for it, perhaps sell off some tack on Ebay, and otherwise justify it. What especially annoyed me was that she bought a second horse, and then was pleading like poor me, I don't have money to get a saddle. Do you have money for vet care then? Or do you want your friends to pay for that too? Glad you got your horse in such a fancy color and paid extra for that.
 
#16 ·
See, now that's what I feel like is unnecessary. Like...sorry, but you have to work for what you have. If you want a new saddle, save up for it, or sell some stuff so you can afford it...or just get a cheaper one/used one or something. Right?! People are stupid with money sometimes. Hopefully she won't have any high vet bills, right! LOL
 
#13 ·
It's not a "gofundme" story, but last year in our local community, someone did a pancake breakfast fundraiser (as is a very common thing around here when people need help). Usually, the families that do this are truly in need (ex: house burned down, extreme medical bills for a child, etc). Well this particular lady was quite well off in the first place, and fell down her own stairs when she was DRUNK and HIGH. And she had a benefit breakfast to raise money to pay for her medical bills.

:icon_rolleyes::icon_rolleyes:

I understand accidents happen, but when your own stupidity caused it .... well, I'm less than sympathetic.
 
#14 ·
There certainly are situations where a "hand out" is needed to help someone get back on there feet. but with all the scams out there I am very reluctant to part with any money unless I know exactly where it's going and how it will be used. I grew up with the attitude that you did without certain things and worked and saved to get by. I have depleted my savings several times, like when I was partially paralyzed from an accident. My parents were alive then and offered me a place to stay but I would never have expected them to help with my expenses.
 
#15 ·
I guess when it comes down to it if you don't like it, don't go there.

Yes I find some of the requests ridiculous, but you can ask for whatever you want, doesn't mean people are going to give....I could set up a GoFund to raise money to go the the World Championships for Western Dressage next year, but doesn't mean you have to give anything, no one has to give anything.

Now the purely fraudulent, that is different, and anyone caught doing it should be convicted of theft by deception, it is wrong.

Fact is though, you decide, you can give or not give, so I don't get how you can call it criminal......
 
#17 ·
I admit GoFundMe is pretty troubling, and I wish they wouldn’t allow posts to purchase animals that didn’t relate to service dogs or police animals. In those instances, the good the animals can do for the community far outweighs their purchase/training prices, which can be pretty astronomical. I think last I looked it costs something like $10k for a seeing-eye dog or a service dog of any ilk, and most families who are caring for a disabled person or child are not able to afford that type of thing up front. But again, that’s a need rather than a want. If you WANT something, especially an animal who will require care and upkeep, and for no other purpose that serves the greater need of the community, you need to be able to show that you are willing to put in your contribution as well.

On the other hand, the people donating are presumably adults who can give their money to whoever they wish, for whatever purpose they see fit. I can see it being a useful alternative to giving a gift for a birthday, wedding, or Christmas, if the giver wants to contribute towards something their friend or loved one really wants rather than give them any old thing. I’d still rather see someone working to produce something if they want a horse, even if it’s only for a few hundred dollars.
 
#18 ·
I can't remember the details and probably have it wrong but I remember a couple of months ago on FB a lady who "rescued" horses (buys auction pen horses then begs for money to feed them) supposedly faked her own death then had friends set up a GFM account.
Of course after the police had went to her house after someone called for a wellness check and found her alive and well, outrage ensued.

I was raised not to beg and to work for what I have. I have no issue helping those in need who've found themselves on a tough spot. But I do find the ridiculous GFMs is rather telling of modern society. The sense of entitlement and not wanting to work for desired goals or objects.

I also agree with GoldenHorse. It's up to you to choose to donate or not. I have no sympathy for anyone who blindly donates without research then feels scammed later.
 
#20 ·
I don't understand how this works, I don't feel guilt tripped into giving money to anyone. There was a local fundraiser for a little girl to go the the states and get treatment, I was happy to give, I know of the family, I knew the people collecting, totally legitimate cause, I was happy to help.

A bunch of random strangers on the internet, no, no I don't feel guilt tripped..

Some of the stories are no doubt genuine, some of the causes on there are good, but I simply do not give through GoFund me......but it does not annoy me, if others want to ask or give, GREAT free country and all that.
 
#21 ·
First, anyone who needs to raise money on GoFundMe to buy an animal or pay vet bills should just give it up. If they can't pay the vet this time, how will they pay next time? I laugh at people advertising that they want a horse free or for 500$. Do they not know how much it costs to KEEP these animals?

That said, I have supported charity causes on occasion. I had a friend who desperately needed a double-lung transplant. Instead of giving on her GoFundMe page though, I gave her 500$ cash. GofundMe takes 8% of every donation. I'd rather that 8% go straight to the charity.

Also, as president of a parent committee, I started a GoFundMe for my kids's school. Some people wanted to donate large sums, but wanted to use credit cards. The school is not allowed to take credit card donations. GoFundMe was the only way we could get these donations so we went with it. But I haven't advertised it or promoted it other than to mention to parents that if they wish to donate using a credit card, it's an option.

One last thing: with or without GoFundMe, people will abuse. I agree that I don't know which charities are worth supporting anymore. I used to give to the firemen, but then found out they hire an outside company to do their fundraising. So basically, I am paying someone's salary so they can call me at home at inconvenient times and harass me? Nope. But I will donate to their local "boot drives". Our neighbors are also a great example of this. A couple of years ago, the guy lost his job because of a "back" problem. They had a big fundraiser, which we only found out about afterwards, so did not donate to. This year, they must have suddenly found a big heap of money because they are building an extension on their house that includes a solarium and another bedroom, as well as building a separate free-standing greenhouse and a HUGE pool in their backyard. Seems people have no shame anymore.

I no longer give unless I know the people myself. And there are plenty of those around so it's not hard to find a good cause right in my backyard.
 
#22 ·
I get sooooo annoyed at go fund me pages!

Ok, I actually support some of them for medical issues if there is a lot of information provided, such as doctors details, test results, xrays etc and the issues are quite serious not covered by the system in our country. I feel for these people.

But the pet ones.... oh it just drives me mad.

There was a post in a local facebook group recently about a girl whose assistance dog needed a surgery that cost under $2000. People responded with some questions and it turns out her "assistance" dog wasn't registered or anything, it was for anxiety which I don't want to minimise but this particular dog did not seem to have any attributes or training to make it an assistance dog. Knowing a bit about services in the area I responded with details about no interest loan schemes offered by some local community centres, and some very low interest loan schemes especially for people on disability/government - both with very flexible repayment plans. Her response was asking if she had to pay them back, saying she didn't want money she had to pay back etc. Her general attitude just bothered me greatly. I know that the money received by disability pension is more than I get each week... and I still manage to do all this stuff.

I don't know why but there is something inherently distasteful about asking for money online.
 
#23 ·
i'm a cold hearted guy, i already knew it before gofundme was around. i'm just glad i'm not the only one haha

recently in-laws have a friend doing a gofundme so he can start up a business.... GO TO THE BANK MORON

i had a cousin do one for his fraternity, even stated the fraternity was going to keep a portion of the moneys raised and donate some (but never stated how much, so maybe a 90% keep 10% send? who knows who cares)

as others have said I can see in extreme medical hardships, or loss of property due to fire but all in all glad i'm not the only one that says "what a scam"
 
#24 ·
While I'm not a huge fan of Gofundme it does have its place. I understand having it set up for a tragedy, like a family member getting cancer and not being able to afford treatment. (Which let's face it, here in the US is a real thing. I personally know several people who have stopped chemo because they can no longer afford it.) Or having it set up for a reason like the flooding in the south, or for a local family who's house burned down.

I don't like seeing it used for 'rescued animals' or for frivolous things. No, you really don't need to fundraise for a PS4.

I sorta understand it for things like international trips, college funds, or business startups. It's not a bad idea to have one set up where family and friends can easily donate instead of having to deal with postage or the banks; but I don't think anyone should be posting the link out on the internet nilly willy and expect strangers to donate to that. I have to admit I thought about setting one up for my travel fund to europe just so that my out of state and country family would have an easier way to donate than trying to deal with the banks and the mail. If I did put one up though I would just send everyone a direct link and keep it off of strangers personal radars!
 
#25 ·
I currently have a cousin who has cancer. She has to stay in the children's hospital which is a 4 hour drive for the family. Her mom is staying with her so thug leaves them with only one income now. They started a go fund me to help raise money for gas to go visit her when they can(her immune system is not always good). I work with her grandma she broke down crying because they just couldn't afford to go down to see her. Me and several people at work made sure she made it down! I have no problem with these types of funds.

On the other hand I had another cousin start one after his wife gave birth and the baby was premature and had to be in the nicu. He wanted $100,000??. They had no insurance, hadn't saved up money and part of the babies problem was she drank,smoked and did drugs while pregnant. I was like nope cause I knew what they would be using that on. The day after she got out of the hospital they posted on FB about partying!! A few days before their son was going to get out of the hospital the wife posted on FB asking for a car seat! Like how long have you known you where going to need one of those!?

Had a guy I worked with that was always setting one up to help him loose weight. He weighed well over 500lbs and he used it to take advantage of people. Giving them sob stories yet ate McDonald's everyday for every meal. But if you asked him he was trying to loose weight! Like no your not or you would be eating healthy. He made over $1,000 before we all caught on!

It can be used for good but a lot of times anymore its not. I prefer to give my money directly to the people anyways since go fund me takes a portion.
 
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#26 ·
I have several friends who are writers - some who are fairly well known, published authors - who have set up GFMs to help them stay home and write full time. They, however, also promise various gifts based on the amount donated. Small amounts might get you a signed bookmark; larger donations might get a personalized, signed book pre-publication or your name listed in the Acknowledgments Page.

I have donated to a few of these, mostly because I really like their writing and can't wait to read the next book, and partly because I know how difficult it is to come home from work and try to write!

I don't even peruse other GFM pages. I just go to the ones set up for people I know.
 
#27 ·
Go fund me used to be a little more realistic; now half of the world wants in on the action. This whole concept of people begging for money for their causes goes back way before the internet. We get constant phone calls with people asking for donations for colleges (that I can't afford to send my kids to), charities (that use all their money for their administration fees), etc.

I really see no problem if someone has a dying pet and asks their friends to donate. If you don't want to donate, don't.

It doesn't annoy me because I just don't respond............
 
#28 ·
Some people just....

I know one girl that made a GFM to help buy 2 horses from a kill pen. She's an experienced trainer and could afford vet bills but just not their purchase price which was only $700. I think thats fine, knowing her pretty well. Horses turned out amazing! She had to rehome them both when money got tight again but she doesnt set up GFMs when money gets tight.

I remember one guy bought a 12k horse for his daughter and set up a GFM to buy it. >.> Leave that at that.

Saw someone on Instagram made a GFM to rescue her "dearly beloved slaughter bound" horse. The horse had already been rescued and I'm pretty sure adopted quite some time before she made the GFM. I think she only got as far as making $5.

My cousin made a GFM to buy a house. I just shook my head and thought "get a job and save!" And its not like they were homeless. They were living in an apartment I think.

Not a GFM me but goes along with what Beau said. There's this girl that is in our 4H club and has neuropathy in her foot, I think. Her mom did a pancake breakfast fundraiser to raise money for medical bills. Yet she can afford cigarettes and Diet Coke...
 
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