I was waiting for family outside a restaurant last week and was approached several times by an approximately 20-year-old man, asking for money. I refused and got a lecture on what a terrible person I am and "it's Christmas." He hit up every person entering or leaving this very busy restaurant but thankfully no one gave him money.
I am so tired of these people and rarely go downtown because of it. I thought it ironic here's this healthy young man angry at me for not giving him money as I'm sitting in a wheelchair waiting for family.
There are places for free meals, food banks, etc. so he wasn't hungry. After several more approaches I suggested he get a job and that was met with a full sneer. What a total lack of pride.
I hope all people stop handing money to these people so they will stop bothering people and think working for a living is something worth trying. Society needs to focus more on jobs, self pride, etc. rather than handouts to these people. Look at the people who collect bottles and cans daily, they show enough pride and gumption to earn some money, not standing and begging.
We're not going to get people back into the downtown core until panhandling is made illegal and enforced. Handing them money makes you part of the problem. Give that money to St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, where it can help many and is not going for booze or drugs.
Carol Bobb
Prince George
