Do you give money to beggers?

[kuqdew]

Walking on the road when some begger came up to me and asked me money for food. I like to help when i can so I gave him $1.50 and he was just like "do you have anymore, I need money for food"

By then I just got pissed and wanted to just punch the $hit out of him.

Seems like even our hobos are spoiled

Discuss

[kt11]

Just loose change, if I have like maybe 10-15 cents in my pocket after buying something, I just give it to them. Walk by, and that's that...don't look back.

[mrG]

Yeah, they are just greedy. I used to be nice but now I just ignore them. Sometimes I get "ohh thank you so much!" and it makes me feel good, but too many times recently have they just started asking for more. So screw em! Get a job ya bums!

[Setz]

Once I gave a homeless person a 5$ bill.

[mrG]

Once I gave a homeless person a 5$ bill.

Reminds me... once at the Queen's Library one of those "deaf & mute" people came up to me with a card. I didn't believe them.. but i felt sorry and dug into my pocket for some change. Out comes.. $5 bill, and that was it. He eyed it, so I smiled back and gave it to him (reluctantly :(). He did this hand gestures where he flicked his hand from under his chin... I thought this meant "thank you". After I got home I told a friend about it, and they told me this was sign language for "**** you." I googled it.. and yep... they were right.

Bastard.

[V A N Q U I S H]

No I do not. No exceptions.

They'll probably use the cash to score their next high.

Now if someone asks for money for food and I'm entering a Tim Horton's or whatever I'll buy an extra Bagel or something and pass it to them on the way out. But like a previous poster said, pass it to them and walk away, don't look back.

[yao416]

Walking on the road when some begger came up to me and asked me money for food. I like to help when i can so I gave him $1.50 and he was just like "do you have anymore, I need money for food"

By then I just got pissed and wanted to just punch the $hit out of him.

Seems like even our hobos are spoiled

Discuss



LOL!!!!!!!!

When beggers asks me for money I always turn around and walk away

But yesterday I was driving my car a dude came upto my car and washing my windshield so I decide to give him 5 dimes.

My windshield had sap, He did kinda good job on that :)

[Flyer]

I tell them that the one person spending my money on booze and drugs this year is me.

[express.items]

So screw em! Get a job ya bums!

+1

There's too many scammers... so I refuse. If I really wanted to help, then I would give money to the homeless systems we have. These 'beggers' can simply use these services, if they choose not to, that's not my problem.

[EH100501AC]

I give them some change but only up to $2.

[kennyt18]

I used to give homeless people money until I found out that the MAJORITY of them use it for drugs/cigarettes/alcohol even though they would say it is for food. So now, I don't give them money anymore.

[bembol]

When I hit a red light and there's one standing, I give a Loonie or Toonie. They were all polite, thank me/nod.

Now if someone asks for money for food and I'm entering a Tim Horton's or whatever I'll buy an extra Bagel or something and pass it to them on the way out. But like a previous poster said, pass it to them and walk away, don't look back.

I remember one ask me change for coffee, this was in front of Starbucks (by Dufferin). I told him I don't have any but I'll buy him Starbucks (Grande, House Blend with Cream/Sugar)....

After my sister was done with her appointment and we drove off...I noticed on my rearview he threw the Starbucks away/ground. :mad: I guess he wanted Frapp? :cheesygri

[Frankie3s]

Walking on the road when some begger came up to me and asked me money for food. I like to help when i can so I gave him $1.50 and he was just like "do you have anymore, I need money for food"

By then I just got pissed and wanted to just punch the $hit out of him.

Seems like even our hobos are spoiled

Discuss

Don't give them any money as it only encourages them and they truly don't appreciate the help (you're only helping to fuel their habits). There are plenty of soup kitchens and help available for them which they don't want.

[Frankie3s]

When I hit a red light and there's one standing, I give a Loonie or Toonie. They were all polite, thank me/nod.



I remember one ask me change for coffee, this was in front of Starbucks (by Dufferin). I told him I don't have any but I'll buy him Starbucks (Grande, House Blend with Cream/Sugar)....

After my sister was done with her appointment and we drove off...I noticed on my rearview he threw the Starbucks away/ground. :mad: I guess he wanted Frapp? :cheesygri

You're lucky. With how aggressive they have become they could've tossed it in you face instead. People, don't give these people any money!!! Take them home with you instead if you are feeling godly so the rest of us don't have to endure the daily harassment.

[notanexpert]

I abssolutely refuse to give any money. Just think about it, how many beggars would we have on the streets if nobody gave them any money?
If you want to help the homeless, contribute to a shelter.
I have on occasion given away food, ususally to one of those bums standing by the road actually asking for food (not money), and I just had a car full of groceries...

[billdozer]

Reminds me... once at the Queen's Library one of those "deaf & mute" people came up to me with a card. I didn't believe them.. but i felt sorry and dug into my pocket for some change. Out comes.. $5 bill, and that was it. He eyed it, so I smiled back and gave it to him (reluctantly :(). He did this hand gestures where he flicked his hand from under his chin... I thought this meant "thank you". After I got home I told a friend about it, and they told me this was sign language for "**** you." I googled it.. and yep... they were right.

Bastard.

lol, somebody mentioned it in a previous panhandling thread about these people, how one time the supposedely "deaf" guy walked past their table, and the RFDer said "Hey, you dropped some money" or something like that, and the "deaf" guy turned around and looked for the money since he heard every word clearly :razz:

Definitely worth a try.

[Setz]

Get a job ya bums!

Don't you need to have a legal address and phonenumber to apply for a job?

Not to mention a bank account for deposits.

[N_Raged]

If any of you have watched those news serials, they reveal that beggers are richer than you think. I think I've only once given my loose change.


LOL!!!!!!!!

When beggers asks me for money I always turn around and walk away

But yesterday I was driving my car a dude came upto my car and washing my windshield so I decide to give him 5 dimes.

My windshield had sap, He did kinda good job on that :)
When you don't want them washing your windshield, just turn on the wipers and they'll won't be able to touch the glass. :cheesygri

[express.items]

I abssolutely refuse to give any money. Just think about it, how many beggars would we have on the streets if nobody gave them any money?
If you want to help the homeless, contribute to a shelter.
I have on occasion given away food, ususally to one of those bums standing by the road actually asking for food (not money), and I just had a car full of groceries...

+1


When you don't want them washing your windshield, just turn on the wipers and they'll won't be able to touch the glass. :cheesygri

and turn on your anti-freeze so it hits them hehehehhe

[d_jedi]

When you don't want them washing your windshield, just turn on the wipers and they'll won't be able to touch the glass. :cheesygri
Saw someone try that once.. the fcuker just grabbed the wiper and continued.. I was afraid he'd break the thing.

[yao416]

If any of you have watched those news serials, they reveal that beggers are richer than you think. I think I've only once given my loose change.



When you don't want them washing your windshield, just turn on the wipers and they'll won't be able to touch the glass. :cheesygri

I've done that, but yesterday I didnt see him coming , so yea...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[fenrus]

I make it my principle to never under any circumstances give money to panhandlers, squeegee boys, or any other similar situation.

all it does is encourage it. then they tell their crack buddies how much money they made, then they do it. etc. etc.

and as stated, there are plenty of programs, societies, and soup kitchens that go to help these people. many run by volunteers too. we already support them through our welfare. The bus I take to work every morning passes by the welfare offices. Every Wednesday, I see a huge line up outside these offices as the bus passes by. It's ridiculous that we have to be support these ADULTS even more.

90% of these people are just leeches. they have absolutely no intention to contribute to society and just want a free ride. don't add fuel to the fire.

[ashs]

I tell them to goto any Sikh church, every Sikh church has a meal service all day to feed the poor (and its not done to convert people, we don't care to convert anyone). Only a few actually do though :-S

[stealth]

Don't you need to have a legal address and phonenumber to apply for a job?

Not to mention a bank account for deposits.

Bank account is not required by law. many companies still pay via cheques, although they try not to, since its more expensive to do so. But paychecques are still very common in blue collar environments, and with the checque cashing rip off joints around, technically someone can get away without dealing with banks, although not advisable.

I dont give to beggers. I dont think it solves anything, most often its misused, it encourages vagrancy, and it presents an opportunity to be robbed from when you take out your wallet.

[Setz]

I know when I'm given cheques I cash it in at my bank... I dunno how you'd do it otherwise.

[stealth]

I know when I'm given cheques I cash it in at my bank... I dunno how you'd do it otherwise.

www.moneymart.ca

[trixstar]

when i was living downtown.. i remember this lady who begs for change in this squeaky high pitched voice, "spare some change please"... yeah right.. I don't even look at her..

also, one time a friend of mine took out a $20 bill just to tease her and the bum was so angry, she started chasing after my friend.. good thing the bum couldn't run fast because her back was messed up.. that was gold..

[chickenbones]

You guys should watch this documentary, I forgot what it's called, maybe someone will know. THe doc was about these 2 or 3 homeless people who were all given $100,000 for a second chance.

In the beginning everyone have these ambitious goals like getting a place to live then get a job, get off drugs etc.

In the end though all 3 spent their money on cars / drugs / girls. None held a job and all ended up back on the street.

Maybe someone remembers the name of the documentary.

[cwb27]

If they do a little dance, then yes, they get my pennies, nickels and dimes.....


I'm joking.

I really only give to the people who are playing music... Even if they have a cleaver sign they don't get anything from me.

[zegerman]

I don't give money to beggars. It gets really annoying when you are asked 5-10 times a day and half the time they are either high or drunk.

[BadDrafter]

I tell them I have HIV/AIDS and that I am dying and to leave me alone.

That usually does it. For the most part is scares the crap out of them. Even to the violent/armed ones who want to stop you under the bridge so you can pay a 'toll' for crossing. They reason that if they draw blood from me they could risk catching a deadly AIDS.

I hope they aren't reading this thread. My lie works all the time.

[UrbanPoet]

I tell them I have HIV/AIDS and that I am dying and to leave me alone.

That usually does it. Even to the violent/armed ones who want to stop you under the bridge so you can pay a 'toll' for crossing.

that kinda backs fire when they say "oh.. you have aids too? i can ass rape you, and itll be okay b/c we both already have it!!!"

[BadDrafter]

that kinda backs fire when they say "oh.. you have aids too? i can ass rape you, and itll be okay b/c we both already have it!!!"

I should pick a more obscure (but fatal) disease then.

[trixstar]

I should pick a more obscure (but fatal) disease then.

such as????

[trixstar]

that kinda backs fire when they say "oh.. you have aids too? i can ass rape you, and itll be okay b/c we both already have it!!!"

do u sleep urbanpoet?? your status is always green... no i'm not stalking u..

[UrbanPoet]

do u sleep urbanpoet?? your status is always green... no i'm not stalking u..

lol. Nope....
I had some wicked ice coffee @ this pho place. Seems like its keeping me up...

[prvt10]

There was a newspaper article where the reporter offered some food and they all refused and even became indignant because all they wanted was money. There was another newspaper article about a homeless guy who picked up litter off the streets of Toronto and on his back was a sign asking for donations. He made about a hundred dollars a day. The reporter asked other homeless people if they were willing to do the same thing and they said they could make as much or more money sitting on a corner. Actually most aren't homeless. A lot them have nice homes and cars. Some of them are fat so it's not like they're starving. Remember the shaky old lady who often begged on Bloor and Bay? She would sit on the sideway and shake like she had a medical problem. She was faking it and she actually lived in a really nice house. She even ran up and tried to attack the reporter who exposed her. They're was also the obese woman who begged on I think it was Yonge and Carlton a few years ago. You know why she rode on a motorized scooter? It wasn't because she was handicapped. It was because she was too fat to move on her own. I used to give some loose change to beggers but I could kick myself for being so stupid. I once gave about a buck to this guy but he said it wasn't enough because he needed like twenty five more dollars for a hotel room. Another guy called me a ***** after I gave him some change. And other guy gave me a long sob story and I stupidly fell for it. I should have known he was full of **** because he was about 50 pounds overweight.

[The_Madz]

http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/player.jhtml?ml_video=85513&ml_collection=&ml_gateway=&ml_gateway_id=&ml_comedian=&ml_runtime=&ml_context=show&ml_origin_url=%2Fmotherload%2Findex.jhtml%3Fml_vid eo%3D85513&ml_playlist=&lnk=&is_large=true





from southpark...

they always have a clip for everydays annoying situations :)

unfortunately couldn't find a youtube version =/

[yao416]

You guys should watch this documentary, I forgot what it's called, maybe someone will know. THe doc was about these 2 or 3 homeless people who were all given $100,000 for a second chance.

In the beginning everyone have these ambitious goals like getting a place to live then get a job, get off drugs etc.

In the end though all 3 spent their money on cars / drugs / girls. None held a job and all ended up back on the street.

Maybe someone remembers the name of the documentary.


Sounds interesting, anyone know?

[izzyzz]

Don't give them any money as it only encourages them and they truly don't appreciate the help (you're only helping to fuel their habits). There are plenty of soup kitchens and help available for them which they don't want.

+1

Our social system is built to take care of these bums and I/we already pay to support them through taxes. If they really were interested in getting off the streets, they could do it easily.

[OceanDrop]

I was jaded at an early age...in grade 6 my class went to see Phantom of the Opera, and there was a "homeless" man at the entrance of the theatre, asking all of us (a bunch of young kids) for change. i think every one of us offered him some money, and then later on when we were leaving we saw him drive away in a red corvette. we couldn't believe it >:(

[JAGpilot]

I prefer not to give cash but I will offer to buy them something to eat. The only time I gave money is when I guy was holding a sign saying "I'm not going to lie, the money is for beer" with a small cup under the sign. I gave him a $2 and said enjoy!

[perplexed_one]

Schmutziges Geld und schmutzige Männer, eine welche Kombination. Aber nicht zu deiner Frage, weil sie Drogen mit ihr kaufen!

[rilhouse]

+1

Our social system is built to take care of these bums and I/we already pay to support them through taxes. If they really were interested in getting off the streets, they could do it easily.

+1

i get hit up at 1-3 times per day for change and i never give anything. you are not helping them by supporting their bad habbits. what really pisses me off is that they are starting to say "do you have a extra toonie?" WTF? as if they won't except anything less?

[BadDrafter]

http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/player.jhtml?ml_video=85513&ml_collection=&ml_gateway=&ml_gateway_id=&ml_comedian=&ml_runtime=&ml_context=show&ml_origin_url=%2Fmotherload%2Findex.jhtml%3Fml_vid eo%3D85513&ml_playlist=&lnk=&is_large=true





from southpark...

they always have a clip for everydays annoying situations :)

unfortunately couldn't find a youtube version =/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvxnJgolRw

Those are the worst beggars, the ones who corner you and block your path or box you in.

The AIDS deterrents works so far, so I'll keep using it until it stops working.

[mxhp00]

Reminds me... once at the Queen's Library one of those "deaf & mute" people came up to me with a card. I didn't believe them.. but i felt sorry and dug into my pocket for some change. Out comes.. $5 bill, and that was it. He eyed it, so I smiled back and gave it to him (reluctantly :(). He did this hand gestures where he flicked his hand from under his chin... I thought this meant "thank you". After I got home I told a friend about it, and they told me this was sign language for "**** you." I googled it.. and yep... they were right.

Bastard.

omg i hate them so much
one time this lady came up to me with the card thing, and I reached in my pocket and I seriously only had 12 cents after buying lunch and showed it to her that, that was all i had. She gives me an angry face and does some hand gesture and walks away.

I was going to give the money to her too, I didn't even want the stupid card.

[yao416]

omg i hate them so much
one time this lady came up to me with the card thing, and I reached in my pocket and I seriously only had 12 cents after buying lunch and showed it to her that, that was all i had. She gives me an angry face and does some hand gesture and walks away.

I was going to give the money to her too, I didn't even want the stupid card.

never take the card
If you take the card and read them they'll demand money from you :cheesygri

[tet8suo]

Reminds me... once at the Queen's Library one of those "deaf & mute" people came up to me with a card. I didn't believe them.. but i felt sorry and dug into my pocket for some change. Out comes.. $5 bill, and that was it. He eyed it, so I smiled back and gave it to him (reluctantly :(). He did this hand gestures where he flicked his hand from under his chin... I thought this meant "thank you". After I got home I told a friend about it, and they told me this was sign language for "**** you." I googled it.. and yep... they were right.

Bastard.
wow, it's really sad to hear this!

[MilkyWay]

Reminds me... once at the Queen's Library one of those "deaf & mute" people came up to me with a card. I didn't believe them.. but i felt sorry and dug into my pocket for some change. Out comes.. $5 bill, and that was it. He eyed it, so I smiled back and gave it to him (reluctantly :(). He did this hand gestures where he flicked his hand from under his chin... I thought this meant "thank you". After I got home I told a friend about it, and they told me this was sign language for "**** you." I googled it.. and yep... they were right.

Bastard.

Yeah, I was playing the PSP at college the other day alone on some table in a cafeteria and one of them came up to me. I instantly remembered the past RFD thread about fake deaf beggars and said no thanks.

If there wouldn't have been many other students around I definitely would've tried to own him. As he turned away from me I wanted to scream "BOOOO!" to shock him and then see him turn his head back.

[tet8suo]

Sounds interesting, anyone know?
is it this one
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversal_of_Fortune_(2005_film)

http://imdb.com/title/tt0838195/

[hagbard]

Only if they promise to buy booze and drugs with it.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

http://www.tshirthell.com/shirts/products/a322/a322_e_01.jpg

[yao416]

is it this one
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversal_of_Fortune_(2005_film)

http://imdb.com/title/tt0838195/

Anyone know where I can watch this online?

[Lone_Prodigy]

You guys should watch this documentary, I forgot what it's called, maybe someone will know. THe doc was about these 2 or 3 homeless people who were all given $100,000 for a second chance.

In the beginning everyone have these ambitious goals like getting a place to live then get a job, get off drugs etc.

In the end though all 3 spent their money on cars / drugs / girls. None held a job and all ended up back on the street.

Maybe someone remembers the name of the documentary.

Saw it on Oprah... uhhh my mom had it on the TV and I walked by. :lol:

I remember hearing this story where someone overheard a couple of panhandlers talking about going back to their place and playing XBOX. I would've given them $10 if I was there so they can sell it and buy a PS2. :D

[MS_Project]

I would probably give some money to beggars. Depends if I'm in a good mood. Only the beggars that sit on the floor quietly I might give. I never give money to those that try to block my path or try to trap me into a corner.

There was a women to begging for money on the subway. She was screaming out loud "I'm starving! I need money". She kept repeating it and kind of touched my feelings that I nearly gave her change. But, the women beside me told me not to. So I didn't.

Also, I don't like those people who ring my doorbell and ask if i want to donate money to the charity. They seem like beggars and won't leave until I give them some money. So ended up giving some money because I couldn't hide or escape. Nowadays, I don't open the door to anyone that I don't know.

NEVER accept any newspaper or flyers that people hand out on the street. I got trapped once. I took their paper while in a rush and they FORCED me to pay $1.00. I told them that i don't want it anymore. But, they kept on making me pay and not make me leave. Damn. Ended up paying. LOL

[gadgets]

Homeless people are bunch of ass***.
I once gave this homeless person pocket change, he harassed me for more which I replied,"that's all have".
The homeless person didn't believe me and started to follow me. He followed me for 4 blocks and all this time, screaming and yelling saying that I owe him $. I got so pissed that luckily there was a cop near by and I reported the incident to the cop. The cop took the homeless guy to the side and asked me to leave. Not sure what happened afterwards......

[Kaitlyn]

I am not really walking around downtown all that often or have anything available, but I just about never give money.

Too often I see or hear about them spending it on cigarettes, alcohol, and stuff like that. NOT food or whatever they said it was for.

If I have a snack or there is like a tim hortons or something there, I'll buy them something.

[feelthedeal]

I knew a guy in high school that became a panhandler/squatter for a while (by choice because he was a loser that way) and he said he was making around $200 a day.......which basically when to booze and drugs

I don't even make that much a day working 5AM-2PM! :evil:

Also didn't help that his parents were loaded so that when he got bored of the homeless lifestyle he came home and did nothing but play video games all day

[fenrus]

I would probably give some money to beggars. Depends if I'm in a good mood. Only the beggars that sit on the floor quietly I might give. I never give money to those that try to block my path or try to trap me into a corner.

There was a women to begging for money on the subway. She was screaming out loud "I'm starving! I need money". She kept repeating it and kind of touched my feelings that I nearly gave her change. But, the women beside me told me not to. So I didn't.

Also, I don't like those people who ring my doorbell and ask if i want to donate money to the charity. They seem like beggars and won't leave until I give them some money. So ended up giving some money because I couldn't hide or escape. Nowadays, I don't open the door to anyone that I don't know.

NEVER accept any newspaper or flyers that people hand out on the street. I got trapped once. I took their paper while in a rush and they FORCED me to pay $1.00. I told them that i don't want it anymore. But, they kept on making me pay and not make me leave. Damn. Ended up paying. LOL

man, grow a spine and stand your ground. you don't owe these lowlifes anything. they are a drain to society, at no fault of your own. now that beggar knows that he can get money from people off the streets if he tries hard enough. And he'll tell his other crack buddies.

next thing we know, we have beggars assaulting people.

[BaboSo]

I sometimes give money to these people. Some may be faking it and some are not. I am not 100% that they are not poor but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. The most I have given is $5 and sometimes, I would buy a loaf of bread and give it to them. I may be considered dumb doing it but it only costs me some change but it may really help them.

I worked at a soup kitchen once and saw many people there. There were people there that had jobs but the job only pays enough for rent so they are at the soup kitchen getting their meals. I saw a guy there that had an old suit on and when he was done eating, he sat at one of the table reading a book. These people may had a job before but because of circumstances which may be their fault or not are out of a job.

So since I am able to make money, I can afford to give some change to these people. But like most poster here say, some or most are fakes. But I don't know which are fakes and which are truly homeless...

[Platypus]

Remember this woman?

Margita Bangov, a Czech immigrant, was a fixture on Toronto streets, panhandling with a sign that read, "Please help I am very sick I will pray for you thank you." With her shabby clothing and apparently uncontrollable trembling, she became known as the "Shaky Lady." But suspicions were raised when Bangov would be observed suddenly cured of her shaking at quitting time. In March 2002, the Toronto Sun homed in on her with stories saying Bangov employed two bodyguards and without a hint of trembling, she swiftly walked to a waiting car and was driven to her apartment, stocked with leather furniture, a big-screen television and a computer. The Sun estimated Bangov pulled in about $2,000 a week. Her cover blown, Bangov had to take her act out of town.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/678638/posts

[kuqdew]

Remember this woman?

Margita Bangov, a Czech immigrant, was a fixture on Toronto streets, panhandling with a sign that read, "Please help I am very sick I will pray for you thank you." With her shabby clothing and apparently uncontrollable trembling, she became known as the "Shaky Lady." But suspicions were raised when Bangov would be observed suddenly cured of her shaking at quitting time. In March 2002, the Toronto Sun homed in on her with stories saying Bangov employed two bodyguards and without a hint of trembling, she swiftly walked to a waiting car and was driven to her apartment, stocked with leather furniture, a big-screen television and a computer. The Sun estimated Bangov pulled in about $2,000 a week. Her cover blown, Bangov had to take her act out of town.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/678638/posts

Damn 2000*52

Thats a 6 digit salary right there!

[billdozer]

Damn 2000*52

Thats a 6 digit salary right there!

yup, tax-free, and she is (or was) probably on welfare.

[alysomji]

I'm surprised so many people on RFD give money to beggars. If you want to help the homeless, give the money to the organizations that help them. At least then you'll know where your money is going.

[Kaitlyn]

I'm surprised so many people on RFD give money to beggars. If you want to help the homeless, give the money to the organizations that help them. At least then you'll know where your money is going.

Giving $5 to an organization probably means something like $1 or $2 goes towards the homeless person.

[D-Roc]

I never give them money. Ever. Supply and demand. If there wasn't a supply there wouldn't be a demand.

[GateGuardian]

I personally don't give change to homeless people because some of the them just spend it on drugs instead of food....and also i'm a starving student myself >:(

[pink_panda]

Remember this woman?

Margita Bangov, a Czech immigrant, was a fixture on Toronto streets, panhandling with a sign that read, "Please help I am very sick I will pray for you thank you." With her shabby clothing and apparently uncontrollable trembling, she became known as the "Shaky Lady." But suspicions were raised when Bangov would be observed suddenly cured of her shaking at quitting time. In March 2002, the Toronto Sun homed in on her with stories saying Bangov employed two bodyguards and without a hint of trembling, she swiftly walked to a waiting car and was driven to her apartment, stocked with leather furniture, a big-screen television and a computer. The Sun estimated Bangov pulled in about $2,000 a week. Her cover blown, Bangov had to take her act out of town.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/678638/posts


yeah, i remember her. i remember a couple of years ago, i saw her INSIDE of the CNE begging for money. i thought to myself, "how did she get in?! did she pay?"

[The Master]

I NEVER give money out....I walk to school everyday along Dundas to Ryerson and I get asked about 2-5 a day...So damn annoying. Guys seriously stop giving them money, too many people are getting abuse/killed.

[siriuskao]

Giving $5 to an organization probably means something like $1 or $2 goes towards the homeless person.

it's better than $5 on alcohol and drugs

[yao416]

it's better than $5 on alcohol and drugs

How is it better -_-'
organization are crooks worst then homeless people

[d1sc0veryy]

I NEVER give them money.

GET A JOB!

Margita Bangova
http://www.answers.com/topic/margita-bangov

Bangová, a Gypsy from Czech Republic, entered Canada as a refugee in 1997. She received social assistance from the government which she supplemented by panhandling

Fri, July 9, 2004
Shaky Lady takes act to Quebec
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Mike_Strobel/2004/07/09/532725.html

Rob MacKenzie is really ticked. He used to give her money in T.O.

He runs to a drugstore, buys a disposable camera.

Andrea rolls her eyes and goes to shop for shoes.

Rob snaps a pic. La Shaky Lady, jig up, shouts, and leaps from her wheelchair, spilling money.

Passersby scramble to help. "What are you doing? Leave her alone!" some yell at Rob.

"But, she's the ..." he tries to explain. He keeps shooting, as she scampers down the sidewalk, pushing her chair, kerchief off, hair flying.

"She's movin' pretty damn good," thinks Rob. "Nothing wrong with those legs."

Glad to hear you're still spry at 68, Margita Bangova.

[Kaitlyn]

it's better than $5 on alcohol and drugs

and I already previously stated that I think it's a significantly better idea to give your spare snack or even get them a bagel or something from Tim Hortons

[billdozer]

I NEVER give them money.

GET A JOB!

Margita Bangova
http://www.answers.com/topic/margita-bangov

Bangová, a Gypsy from Czech Republic, entered Canada as a refugee in 1997. She received social assistance from the government which she supplemented by panhandling

Fri, July 9, 2004
Shaky Lady takes act to Quebec
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Mike_Strobel/2004/07/09/532725.html

Rob MacKenzie is really ticked. He used to give her money in T.O.

He runs to a drugstore, buys a disposable camera.

Andrea rolls her eyes and goes to shop for shoes.

Rob snaps a pic. La Shaky Lady, jig up, shouts, and leaps from her wheelchair, spilling money.

Passersby scramble to help. "What are you doing? Leave her alone!" some yell at Rob.

"But, she's the ..." he tries to explain. He keeps shooting, as she scampers down the sidewalk, pushing her chair, kerchief off, hair flying.

"She's movin' pretty damn good," thinks Rob. "Nothing wrong with those legs."

Glad to hear you're still spry at 68, Margita Bangova.

Damn. Bullet to the head should take care of her.

[Evil Baby]

Not a chance in heck.
I personally think ther are much better options for them and I don't think we need to enable them at all.

I think the worse thing for tax payers is that we don't really know where the money we give the government is actually going to help these people. We dont' have a real number on how many of them there actually is.

Another issue is that we don't know how many of them are just doing this as a 'job'.

I don't understand why we can't come to some aggreament with Alberta and helping to re-locate those who are just down on their time. Perhaps they aren't really employable because they just have horrible work habbits, or maybe they are just in such a bad position they can't really even apply for jobs at the moment.

[kleptodathief]

yes , cuz i don't wanna get stabbed! :cheesygri

[chickenbones]

Sounds interesting, anyone know?


I think I found it: http://hungarian.imdb.com/title/tt0838195/

Called reversal of fortune.

A documentary that explores what happens when a homeless man is given one hundred thousand dollars and the free will to do with it whatever his wishes.

[pinkbaby]

I usually give them all the changes I have in my wallet. Sometimes when I have food on me, I just give them my food because I believe that will help them more than giving them coins.

[fenrus]

Damn. Bullet to the head should take care of her.

the 5% of people who oppose it will obviously not make it a reality, this being Canada and all.

[Akuma_kumite]

I got scammed by the sticker lady (who was very well dressed with nice clothes and makeup) on Yonge/Dundas where she hand out smiley stickers and asked for a tooney for children charity, does that consider her a beggar? She sure doesn't look like a beggar

[prvt10]

I got scammed by the sticker lady (who was very well dressed with nice clothes and makeup) on Yonge/Dundas where she hand out smiley stickers and asked for a tooney for children charity, does that consider her a beggar? She sure doesn't look like a beggar

If I recall correctly, she claims she never misrepresents herself. She says all the money goes to her and her children and if people get the mistaken impression that it goes to a children's charity, it's not her fault. She makes a lot of money and has a nice home and car.

[CSAgent]

I got scammed by the sticker lady (who was very well dressed with nice clothes and makeup) on Yonge/Dundas where she hand out smiley stickers and asked for a tooney for children charity, does that consider her a beggar? She sure doesn't look like a beggar


oh what the hell man, I could be doing that...I have plenty of nice looking clothes. Man reading that makes me so damn pissed off angry!!:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Setz]

All it takes is a roll of Walmart smiley stickers.

[CSAgent]

All it takes is a roll of Walmart smiley stickers.

I'm pissed that someone would take advantage of good people like that...

[cmge]

like hell id fund their next hit of crack or etc... just last nite i went to see a movie with some friends and some dude came up to us holding a gas container asking for some change coz his car ran out of gas... needless to say my friends gave the scammer some change... -_- .. and this other time i was getting dropped off at a greyhound station and some lady asked my family if we spoke english and asked us for money coz she been at the station all day and she lives in halifax and has no money to go back.. blah blah blah... my parents gave this person 5$... -_- ...

i usually ignore them or apologize that i dont have change, which is true coz i never carry change...

[bionicbadger]

No I don't give to people that ask. Sometimes I will give to buskeers or buy a copy of "loose change" (newspaper that homeless people sell to raise money), but if someone comes up and asks for money, its always no.

[billdozer]

i usually ignore them or apologize that i dont have change, which is true coz i never carry change...

Don't apologize, you have nothing to be sorry for.

[raptorfan]

like hell id fund their next hit of crack or etc... just last nite i went to see a movie with some friends and some dude came up to us holding a gas container asking for some change coz his car ran out of gas... needless to say my friends gave the scammer some change... -_- .. and this other time i was getting dropped off at a greyhound station and some lady asked my family if we spoke english and asked us for money coz she been at the station all day and she lives in halifax and has no money to go back.. blah blah blah... my parents gave this person 5$... -_- ...

i usually ignore them or apologize that i dont have change, which is true coz i never carry change...

was this at the theatre on Queensway & Islington? same thing happened to my friends and I there. Didn't give him anything, knew it was a crock. And I've heard the need $ to travel one too...

I just donate to proper charities, stopped giving to individuals, too many scammers & druggies.

[Kranberry]

Remember this woman?

Margita Bangov, a Czech immigrant, was a fixture on Toronto streets, panhandling with a sign that read, "Please help I am very sick I will pray for you thank you." With her shabby clothing and apparently uncontrollable trembling, she became known as the "Shaky Lady." But suspicions were raised when Bangov would be observed suddenly cured of her shaking at quitting time. In March 2002, the Toronto Sun homed in on her with stories saying Bangov employed two bodyguards and without a hint of trembling, she swiftly walked to a waiting car and was driven to her apartment, stocked with leather furniture, a big-screen television and a computer. The Sun estimated Bangov pulled in about $2,000 a week. Her cover blown, Bangov had to take her act out of town.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/678638/posts

Yeah, I remember reading the articles on her, and how cops and people who were in the area. I loved this line from the article...

"Toronto Police Const. Andrew Hassall once saw a woman so torn up about the Shaky Lady she bought her a $200 coat at The Bay. The beggar croaked her thanks, waited for the woman to leave, then threw out the coat. Hassall couldn't persuade the kind woman she'd been had. "

The Sun also had a picture of her home, and back in '02 she had a Rear Projection TV, looked around 50-55", and back in '02 these weren't exactly cheap. Not unreachable, but certainly not someone who supposed to be a beggar that is on social assistance.

[cmge]

was this at the theatre on Queensway & Islington? same thing happened to my friends and I there. Didn't give him anything, knew it was a crock. And I've heard the need $ to travel one too...

I just donate to proper charities, stopped giving to individuals, too many scammers & druggies.
this was at scarborough town centre...

[sleepyguy]

Never. I have bought a hotdog on several occasions for one that was nearby... then again I was probably doing them harm! :)

[mlc2000]

No money for the hobos.

Sorry, I've no sympathy for them.

Theres enough opportunity for a hand up, so no hand outs.

[mlc2000]

this was at scarborough town centre...

Maybe he did need $ to travel....to the next theatre megaplex.

[itcareer]

I never gave money to beggars, they just go get yet another tattoo or piercing. I buy them food instead like pizza pizza or Harveys when I am also buying food for myself.

[YnD]

Depends...

There's that no-legged guy at Dundas station... if they give free samples of Yogurt or food... Ill grab an extra one and give it to him...

However... one time I gave a box of timbits (there were only like 4 left) and the bum threw it back at me... at that point I called him a piece of sh1t...

[nightwolf]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversal_of_Fortune_(2005_film)

[siriuskao]

How is it better -_-'
organization are crooks worst then homeless people

I agree 100%, I was just comparing it against $5 to homeless people directly.

I never donate anyways, I'll be honest - I really don't care about them.

and I already previously stated that I think it's a significantly better idea to give your spare snack or even get them a bagel or something from Tim Hortons

As for donating food (buy bagels or whatever), do you really believe that's what they need?

IMO it's a significantly better idea not to give them anything.

[Raimiette]

Sometimes I do but only if they are doing something to earn it.

Like for instance, the people who play their instruments on the sidewalk, I generally throw them a couple bucks.

Also, there is this guy who hangs out at a Food Basics and asks the people who are leaving with their groceries if he can help them put their stuff in their car and only asks if he can have the quarter from the cart in return. I always let him have the quarter.

[anycee]

I give nothing: if no one did they wouldn't be begging.

[myversa]

I would only give to handicap people.

If the begger is young and have no problem in his body what so ever, I would not give a dam. He/she should learn how to work.

[Diamondog]

Give money to beggers? Please don't encourage them, silly little beggers...:lol:

[batman321123]

Hell no. I feel bad for the legless guy at Dundas station, but if you're going to smoke cigarettes (like he does), you're not getting my money.

[Talamasca]

Nope, never have and never will. A loonie isn't going to help them.

Hell, the last homeless guy I saw when I was exiting a subway station was dressed better than I was!

[ShadowVlican]

i ignore them

[Phr3sh]

No I do not. No exceptions.

They'll probably use the cash to score their next high.

Now if someone asks for money for food and I'm entering a Tim Horton's or whatever I'll buy an extra Bagel or something and pass it to them on the way out. But like a previous poster said, pass it to them and walk away, don't look back.

+1 im the same way...you never know what the money goes towards

[kuqdew]

Sometimes I do but only if they are doing something to earn it.

Like for instance, the people who play their instruments on the sidewalk, I generally throw them a couple bucks.

Also, there is this guy who hangs out at a Food Basics and asks the people who are leaving with their groceries if he can help them put their stuff in their car and only asks if he can have the quarter from the cart in return. I always let him have the quarter.
I know that guy :cheesygri

By the mary and barton store @ hamilton?

[AL3X]

one time i needed change for a bus and i was going to go buy something small from a mcdonalds or something to get change. before i did a hobo asked me if he could trade like 3.50 for a 5 dollar bill. normally i would have said no but i agreed because i needed the bus money. He was very polite and seemed to appreciate it tho, so that's good.

[helium]

Rarely do I ever give money to beggars. I'm a kid...do I look like I have money?!

I think they should go get a job or something >:E

[hagbard]

Better than giving it to extortionists. http://www.tomalberts.com/galleries/horseshoe_tournament/pics/canadian_parliament_building.jpg

[Impossibles]

I tell them I have HIV/AIDS and that I am dying and to leave me alone.

That usually does it. For the most part is scares the crap out of them. Even to the violent/armed ones who want to stop you under the bridge so you can pay a 'toll' for crossing. They reason that if they draw blood from me they could risk catching a deadly AIDS.

I hope they aren't reading this thread. My lie works all the time.

no you don't.

[aKiu]

I used to give beggars money, until I realized some of them were doing it for bad and that some of them are greedy and ask for more once you give them a little bit.

Ever since then, I do not give it to them. It's not because I'm selfish, but it's just because the bad ones made a bad name for them... and you don't know which one is good.

[CodecX81]

When I lived in London, ON.. there was this woman on the corner of King/Wellington (outside of the Mac's Milk)

she'd sit there every day in a wheelchair and a broken leg in a cast.... for the entire 2 yrs of College I had there... No way in hell did she have a leg broken that long.

about a year in, a small group of friends took turns watching her all day.. eventually when the street got less busy, she'd pick up and WALK to her apartment a quarter of a block over.

[actuary]

I used to give on occasion when I was working in Toronto. Now I work in Detroit. When I'm walking in the city, I walk quickly and I don't stop for anything or anyone.

[BadDrafter]

no you don't.

The one time I distinctly remember using that trick is when I was passing under the underpass from 4th street to 10th Avenue and three hobos had dubbed the underpass "Rufus' Bridge". They told me that I had to pay a toll to walk under "Rufus' Bridge" and I told them I was dying of AIDS, held my throat and they all backed off.

I kept walking.

If you know the area of Calgary I'm talking about, you would know that it's actively policed until 5PM and then it turns into a scene from dawn of the dead once the cops have all gone home.

[Byrns]

Never.

However, I do regularly purchase food for the food bank.

[Raimiette]

I know that guy :cheesygri

By the mary and barton store @ hamilton?

Lol yep, same guy!

[UrbanPoet]

I hate those black history month guys...
They are such con artist!

[chickenbones]

I hate those black history month guys...
They are such con artist!

LOL, there's two that hangs out around Eaton Centre. Every month is black history month for them.

[JL2002]

i once saw on the news about a lady downtown who's a beggar. After a couple days of investigation she's actually a rich woman who made a living out of begging. She was on the right spot at the right time, and ppl threw loonies, toonies, 5 dollar bills etc. cuz those to most ppl downtown are nothing....from that news on, i never give money to beggar....unless they're really like immobile or something

[woodstock827]

I have a self-imposed policy of not giving money to beggers/homeless/etc... I'd rather buy them something to eat than giving the money which I won't know how they're going to spend it.

[hagbard]

Soylent Green provides the answer. :D

[kgen]

I always get suckered into giving change away to homeless... it's a lot easier to brush them off when you're with friends.

[Jaytee]

Here is a tip for you 905ers that come downtown. If you are walking and someone tries to stop you, just ignore them and keep walking. 9.9 times out of 10 you will not want to hear what this person has to say.

I never give money to any begger less then like 50. If you younger then that, you can turn your life around if you really want to. Nothing pisses me off more then seeing a young punk with kicks more expensive then mine asking for some money. At 50+, they likely to be a begger for the rest of their life. If they want a some money to get a drink or smoke, go nuts because thats a crappy way to grew old.

[kuqdew]

I always get suckered into giving change away to homeless... it's a lot easier to brush them off when you're with friends.

Man, are you really like that?

No offense but you need to really grow a pair.

[beerbaron105]

i gave a loonie to a homeless guy before i hopped onto the gardiner, i looked at him walking up the row of traffic, not one car giving him anything, looked at his scruffy old face and felt bad so i gave him the loonie and he was incredibly gracious, it wasnt much but i think i made a slight difference in his day and he did the same for me.

[duckling.]

Once I was at a lounge with a bunch of my friends who happened to be all Asian. We were walking along Queen St and a beggar asked us for change. We (at least, I) walked right past him (I doubt half the group even noticed) and he got up and followed us and said something along the lines of : "you #$@%ing Japs stop stealing our jobs and get the !@#$ out of my country!" (none of us are Japanese btw)

Also ran into that black woman that gets on streetcars and starts begging and swearing at people for change in the corner of Parliament/Gerrard. The street car got delayed until the cops came to pull her away. Got home so late that night.

Then I was on the N-S Subway line at St. George when a woman, who I'm guessing was blind, came on to the train, started slapping her belly or something, and would hold a cup and start waving it around frantically asking people for change. She smacked me in the face with the cup while wailing it. I didn't give her change.

[mxhp00]

The one time I distinctly remember using that trick is when I was passing under the underpass from 4th street to 10th Avenue and three hobos had dubbed the underpass "Rufus' Bridge". They told me that I had to pay a toll to walk under "Rufus' Bridge" and I told them I was dying of AIDS, held my throat and they all backed off.

I kept walking.

If you know the area of Calgary I'm talking about, you would know that it's actively policed until 5PM and then it turns into a scene from dawn of the dead once the cops have all gone home.

I can actually picture it, and it seems pretty funny

[lapopal]

I never give change, only have done like 3 times in my life and those three occasions was because of a woman or I was conned. They are like pigeons or cockroaches and if you feed them they will continue to be a pest. I have no sympathy for it, its sad yes but I find it unacceptable. When I was young a man asked for change from my father and I know he had none on him (he could not stand anything in his pockets when wearing his "church" suit). A homeless man called my father all sort of nasty names in front of us, my dad said something and he shut up.

Not sure if it was brought up in this thread or not but I remember the shaking lady who would sit on the sidewalk shaking with a sign that said she was homeless and needs medicine EVERYONE gave her change, turns out that human bag of garbage raked in 10k CASH per month and lived at Bay and Bloor while her sons drove Cadillac’s. There are lots of scammers out there and they ruined for the truly pathetic and destitute, the rest of Canada has it easy, in Vancouver there is a homeless people, bums, degenerates all plaguing the city, they are everywhere, rifling through the garbage it does not matter where you live cause they are literally everywhere (Think Toronto bums rifling through your garbage in Mississauga or Brampton or Milton on any given street.