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LETTER: Citizen discourages panhandling

I am writing this email in regard to the increased number of panhandlers in the downtown area, Alexander Street in particular, this past fall and winter.
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-Image credit: File photo

I am writing this email in regard to the increased number of panhandlers in the downtown area, Alexander Street in particular, this past fall and winter.

I would like to inform the public they are not helping these panhandlers by giving them money.

When the public gives money to these panhandlers, it just goes towards an alcohol/drug addiction, and further increases their state of laziness.

I understand some of these panhandlers suffer from a mental illness, and there is help for them as needed. But they make their choice not to get the help they badly need.

When the public gives money to these panhandlers, it just makes it more attractive for other panhandlers to come to Salmon Arm.

Then this community will have a bigger problem with increased crime and disturbances that aggressive panhandlers cause.

If the public wants to help these panhandlers, don’t give them any money.

Give instead to the Salvation Army or to Kindale, for these organizations can provide the help that they need if they want it.

R. Venema