i guess most of us have been approached by these donation seekers (although i m still waiting to meet another donor to this particular madrassa's "representative").

i normally give (regardless of which month) to the obvious - the obviously handicapped (yes i pursued one for months before i finally encountered him again and managed to handover a little donation which he reluctantly but gratefully accepted.) i honestly thought he may just be a phantom to test my compassion caused once he disappeared from my sight faster than the time i took to get my wallet out of my back pocket.

then there are the obviously elderly and unwanted whom no one seems to want to take on for work anymore and who may have been forgotten by their families back in their home countries as well. collecting cans and scavanging the refuse bins, or sitting at roundabouts staring at their remaining short and uncertain future.

thank God we are blessed, whether small or big, and we are still at the giving end.......