"The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching." ― John Wooden
edit: taming em-dashes
"The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching." ― John Wooden
edit: taming em-dashes
The first time I donated something was after a friend shared a social project they helped in LinkedIn. That was when I thought "hey, I'm kinda wealthy now, I probably could help.".
So, I understand where you are coming from, influencers and shit, but there's a real chance that by doing any charity publicly you might trigger others to do as well.
But what if your example encourages others to give?"
That's totally fair but then we also complain all the time that media is only filled with negativity and despair. Let's be rational and appreciate public displays of good deeds for what they are, good. If some people use these as a distraction from mischievous deeds on the backside, that's an other matter.
"Only in darkness are we revealed. Goodness is not goodness that seeks advantage. Good is good in the final hour, in the deepest pit, without hope, without witness, without reward. Virtue is only virtue in extremis."
[0] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6340130/characters/nm0524240
I only had to sleep in the streets one single cold night, I wouldn't have mind in the slightest to be filmed thanking the helper in exchange for a warm room, I definitely would had feel I got the upper hand on such "deal".
I've read somewhere that all donations that Paul McCartney makes come with a rider that if his name is leaked, the donation is withdrawn.
Regardless of whether this is true, I think that's the way to donate if it comes from your heart.
If somebody wants to also build a hospital and plaster their name on it, let them! As long as somebody benefits.