the 'students' who harrass you to no end while attempting to traverse the sidewalk to your destination with their endless stream of equally righteous causes are paid a hefty sum

I'm not saying it doesn't happen your way, but I've seen abuse the other way around with volunteers who are overly aggressive and even block a person physically when they're trying to get somewhere just so they can make their point.

I do not appreciate being cornered and made to feel like shit for not signing up for whatever charitable membership clipboard kid may be selling. While I've encountered pleasant and polite clipboard folks (and I know they are paid to do this, and not volunteers), I've also had to deal with aggressive types who don't undertand that my fixed income on social assistance does not give me the wiggle room to donate 25 bucks a month. Having said that, I'm thankful we have so many kind hearted people who actively volunteer at hospitals, shelters and with animals.

is that even if you're willing to donate to a cause like Amnesty International, the only type of contribution they will accept is a monthly amount that comes out of my bank account. They're shooting themselves in the foot by not taking cash donations. Yes, I know that if they carry cash, they're more likely to be robbed, but how come Christmas charities DO accept cash donations on the spot?

I recently saw a middle-aged woman berate a young school boy who was just standing quietly on a street corner in Kerrisdale with his tray of daffodil pins. He gave up his Saturday afternoon to act as a volunteer (completely unpaid) for a legitimate charity, supporting cancer patients and their families. For his time and effort, he was rewarded with her scathing remarks. Her actions were nothing short of shameful!