LOL with Strangers
Street fundraising is perhaps one of the most daunting tasks. Convincing individuals to part with their resources for the vulnerable civilians around the world requires a delicate balance of persuasion and empathy. Learning to accept rejection gracefully and building resilience in the face of indifference is the heart of the job. But amidst all the serious work, there are moments that remind us how unpredictable and hilarious human interaction can be. In this corner, you will find the most bizarre comments and offbeat conversations we encounter with strangers in our daily life while fundraising.
Random Chuckles
Convo 1
There was a moment, when I was doing my usual street fundraising, I spotted a passerby walking by. Channelling my best Swedish vibe, I enthusiastically waved and said, "Hejsan!" (the casual ‘hey there' in Swedish). The guy kept walking but suddenly did a U-turn, looking at me like I’d just insulted his entire family tree. With a mix of shock and disgust, he cried out, "I am NOT YOUR SON!"
I blinked, and replied, "I know you’re not my son." Then it hit me—this dude probably wasn’t from around here and thought I was trying to claim him as my long-lost child. I just shrugged and said, "Never mind,".
Convo 2
I was out doing door-to-door fundraising that day. I knocked on one, and an old man opened up. I started talking to him about the crisis in Yemen, really hitting those empathy notes, when suddenly, he cut me off and said, “Why don’t you come inside?” I politely declined, and continued pitching my case. This guy doubled down and insisted again, only this time he tried to sweeten the deal like game show host. “Come inside, I have cats…and beers!”
So when a stranger is trying to lure you into their house with cats and beer, it's time to hit the eject button. I immediately bid him a swift goodbye and ran down the stairs.
Convo 3
One of my colleagues approached this American lady in Stockholm who was pushing a stroller, just minding her business. He casually asked her how she was doing, and then jumped into his pitch about our organization’s work in humanitarian crises around the world and here in Sweden. He even highlighted how we help everyone, including those without legal papers, offering medical care and support. Midway through his speech, she said, “You can’t do that. Why would you help people who are here illegally? They don’t deserve this!” My colleague wrapped it up and made an exit because, as fundraisers, we only can take one unsolicited opinion at a time.