READING the Hereford Times (February 19), we were struck by the number of people asking for money towards a holiday or some silly stunt, all in aid of charity. Front page, sponsorship wanted by some guys off climbing.

Why not use the time constructively doing chores, helping local disabled and elderly? Would this not save expenses?

Similarly, a guy from Presteigne on a walk to raise money for yet another African (yawn) charity.

Why do he and his fund-raisers not do the same, help local people, thus saving expenses on a non-constructive walking holiday? All monies raised could then go to charity.

And yet another 19-year-old student wants sponsors for her trip to Uganda, where, with 70 other students she will build a new school. WHAT? Could one ask what qualifications they have in the building industry?

Why on earth aren’t Ugandans allowed to build it themselves? So many charities, many of which exist purely to create jobs for the boys.

And we read, a woman in Bromyard wants people to sponsor her for not talking for an afternoon. Can you believe it?

Go and decorate a pensioner’s home, do their shopping, sit and keep the lonely company, take a disabled person out for a walk, weed a garden – there are many sponsored chores that these people could be doing. Before you donate to a charity, check how effective it is. Some are, many are not.

For example, how many of the many cancer charities get together to coordinate research information and funds? We know. Do you?

JACK & ANDREA SEMPLER, Ledbury Road, Hereford.