London commuters face a daily gauntlet of appeals, often from groups aggressively seeking donations. These persistent collectors, dubbed ‘charity chuggers,’ have sparked outrage and anxiety, leaving many Londoners feeling harassed and vulnerable on their way to and from work.
Pauline, a London commuter, described a growing sense of dread about her daily journey. “It’s now at the point where I feel anxious going to work,” she explained, “because I know I’m going to be harassed by strange men on the street.” Her experience isn’t isolated; a rising tide of complaints focuses on one organization in particular: We R Blighty.
But We R Blighty isn’t a charity at all. It’s a community interest company currently under investigation by both the police and the UK’s independent fundraising regulator. Initial findings reveal significant breaches of fundraising standards, raising serious questions about their practices.
We R Blighty frequently sets up operations near train stations, intercepting commuters with appeals for money. Despite previously using the tagline ‘charity begins at home,’ the organization maintains it has never claimed charitable status. Their tactics, however, are increasingly viewed as aggressive and misleading.
The group claims to be supported by the veterans charity SSAFA, directing funds to those in need after leaving the Armed Forces. However, SSAFA has explicitly stated they have no record of referring individuals to We R Blighty, casting doubt on the organization’s claims.
Ben Mills, the veteran who runs We R Blighty, previously founded another fundraising company, Target Fundraising Services, before quickly resigning as director. He also stepped down from his role at We R Blighty shortly after its inception in 2022. In their first year, the organization raised over £90,000, but the ultimate destination of those funds remains unclear.
Legally, organizations require explicit permission from the Metropolitan Police to collect donations on London streets. Yet, the police confirmed they have issued no permits to We R Blighty. Transport for London, Network Rail, and even supermarket chain Morrisons have all denied the group permission to operate on their property.
Despite these restrictions, We R Blighty persists, claiming to be selling magazines. However, reports indicate individuals are pressured to provide card details after merely being shown a photograph of the publication. This aggressive approach has fueled public anger and demands for action.
The Fundraising Regulator’s investigation uncovered nine breaches of their code of practice, including aggressive behavior and misleading the public. However, the regulator’s limited powers prevent them from imposing penalties, as We R Blighty isn’t formally signed up to their standards.
While the group has faced penalties for illegal fundraising, including a guilty plea for collecting without licenses, the current maximum fine of £200 appears to be a negligible deterrent. Critics argue that outdated legislation, specifically the Police and Factories Act of 1916, hinders effective enforcement.
Londoners are not powerless. Past campaigns have successfully driven out similar ‘charity chuggers.’ Pauline McFerran, after experiencing relentless harassment outside Farringdon station, contacted Islington Council. The council’s swift response – working with the fundraising regulator, distributing awareness leaflets, and attempting to move the collectors – appeared to provide temporary relief.
This demonstrates the power of collective action. By reporting incidents to local councils and raising awareness, Londoners can push for stronger enforcement and ultimately reclaim their streets from these unwanted and aggressive fundraisers.
