Posted by
Playful Walrus on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 12:05:56 PM
He really, really cares! How do we know? Well, as Associated Press writer Jennifer Quinn reports, he spent a night on London streets to "highlight the plight of homeless British teenagers". Symbolism over substance you say? You're such a cynic!
He spent a chilly night near Blackfriars Bridge last week with Seyi Obakin, the chief executive of British homeless charity Centrepoint. William has been the charity's patron since 2005.
That is what matters. Giving, and encouraging others to do so - as long as the charity makes good use of the funds.
"I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night," William said Tuesday.
No, you can't, which is why it is ridiculous. Hanging out overnight for one with a friend and the news media and all of the lights and security, knowing full well that the next night you can party in exclusive Paris venues and sleep in a palace, does not compare to spending night after night on the streets, not seeing a way to get out of it.
Obakin said they found a secluded spot - tucked away behind some garbage bins - and settled in for a restless night.
"But there was no shielding from the bitter cold, or the hard concrete floor, or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a 'good' kicking," Obakin said.
Get real. Look, I'm assuming the guy means well. But like I said, there are more productive ways to contribute, such as fundraising.
Homeless teens are a different category from people who become homeless as mature adults. Unfortunately, in some places, even as teens they can't be compelled to get the right help, and if they have public property where they can hang out without being arrested, they are unlikely to seek it on their own.