Editor:
Re: Surrey to crack down on panhandling, Sept. 5.
I felt saddened today as I read the above-noted article.
I understand there is a lot of discomfort for people that goes hand-in-hand with panhandlers. I understand safety being an issue.
But what saddened me was that we want to penalize already struggling and vulnerable people in our community with fines.
Putting more finances into resources that will be going out to fine these people seems… well, counterintuitive.
Someone suggested to me, when I shared my disbelief, that maybe, then, we need to fine the people giving to them. I so don’t want to discourage people from caring and helping others.
How about we educate those giving and receiving of the dangers? Find other ways to give that are safe and don’t contribute to accidents.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable for us, but not as uncomfortable as it must be for them to need to panhandle.
Let’s find a way to support us caring without causing undo harm. Sometimes we all need a hand up.
V. Keddis, Surrey