The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have volunteered at a back-to-school charity event. The Duke and Duchess volunteered with local LA charity, Baby2Baby, which provides basic necessities like nappies, wipes and clothes to children and families in need. The drive-through event, which took place at Dr Owen Lloyd Knox Elementary School, was held in conjunction with the LA Unified School District.
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit organisation led by Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, that provides nappies, clothing and other supplies to children living in poverty. The Duchess wore a new classic long sleeve shirt by Victoria Beckham.
Victoria Beckham Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt
Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Tenue décontractée pour ce volontariat ; très estivale la chemise oversize dont elle a retroussé les manches longues... Tout à fait à mon goût, le bracelet simple en or jaune mais de Cartier !!!
ReplyDeleteGreat moal boost to the people in the area.
DeleteNothing to be said about fashion here. The looks comfortable and ready to serve, despite the high temperatures we are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent cause that they are volunteering for. This elementary school is in South LA, not too far from Watts. The area is heavily under resourced so I'm sure the supplies were appreciated and needed. I know several colleagues who worked or grew up in South LA and it's an area where resilience can only take you so far. Would love to see them continue to their charity work. Hopefully they stay safe. I know the Covid situation in SoCal is substantially more dire than NorCal, where I'm based, but of course us here in the north are dealing with multiple fires set off by a lightening storm from earlier this week.
Thank you for the background information Anna - it is appreciated. I too think that it is very commendable that they are volunteering in such a desperate area of LA where the help is so needed. This is the kind of work they've always wanted to do and I'm glad to see them turning words into action. Lots of respect for them.
DeleteThey are both dressed appropriately for the time and place, and look neat and clean without any unnecessary ostentation.
- Anon 9:13
Nice to see them getting involved in work at grassroots level.
ReplyDeleteWhile her shorts are appropriate for the event, I'm not a fan of the pleating detail. The blouse is pretty but considering the cost and what they are doing maybe not the best choice for the event.
ReplyDeleteE.B.B.
E.B.B. So you think that she should wear just a plain non brand shirt?
DeleteWhen other royals visit impoverished countries, old folk homes, people affected with illnesses, etc... don't they usually wear whatever they have in their closets even new stuff? I don't care how much money these people spend in clothes, at the end of the day they are spending their money and thus sustaining the industry. I do however think that you are holding her to a different standard .
You're right. Meghan can spend her money on clothes however she sees fit. I have no problem with people spending money on quality clothing or accessories like Meghan's Cartier bangle. I may not have expressed myself properly the first time. My questioning the choice of blouse has more to do with the color. I wouldn't wear a nicer, white blouse to event where it could get stained from from handling different boxes/ packages. Meghan and Harry's choice to wear white shirts wouldn't be my first choice for this particular type of event.
DeleteE.B.B.
I spent one year on a working programme in America and I was surprised to see how much American women wear shorts for all types of casual occasions. Much, much more than what we see/do in Europe. Not a critic just a fashion observation of what goes on in another country.
DeleteTop marks for the work they are doing.
Wearing white, or a light color, is a must when it is so hot. Especially when wearing long sleeves. You act like the blouse can’t be washed.
DeleteNice publicity
ReplyDeleteI agree. Why do they accept to be photographed now? Just when they volunteer, when it suits her/them? She wants to show the world how good a person she is? They are plenty of people doing volunteer work around the world in much more dangerous places and conditions, all year long, and we never see their faces. If it's not publicity, I wonder what it is.
DeleteWhy do you assume this was a scheduled publicity photo opportunity? And for that matter, how do you know they haven’t been doing more volunteer work that hasn’t been photographed and hit the news or the tabloids?
DeleteAnonymous 8:39, Why are you always so agressive towards anybody who criticise Meghan Markle? You're asking questions, undermining other people comments, ect...Are you a member of the so called " Sussex squad"? They get angry and allergic anytime that Meghan Markle is criticised. They want everybody to perceive Meghan Markle as they do. I think you must respect other persons opinion instead if scolding and preaching orthers, showing them how they are wicked because they don't admire Meghan.
DeleteAren't they supposed to be fed up with photographs and journalists? They can give without showing off. Nice publicity.
DeleteWer will diese Verweigerer noch sehen ??
ReplyDeleteIch
Delete#too.
DeleteDie 2 soek net aandag
ReplyDeleteThis is a very worthy organisation, helping the less fortunate. It is great to see them both out lending a hand.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice thing what there both doing
ReplyDeleteHenry, cool, casual, with a matching mask seems to be adapting to his new environment. In picture 1 we see a flash of his personality as he jokes with the little boy. (If he is happy the new adventure will be a success)
ReplyDelete@ E.B.B. Contrast this outfit with wearing an original Emilia Wickstead and accessories to sit for a few minutes and exchange words with a selected audience of under served mothers, under the watchful eye of a paid handler. Two weights, two measures. July.
Si, Meghan Markle left the royal family saying she widrwaw from being a senior working royal family membre. But , her fan club can't stop comparing her with Kate Middleton who's still a working royal? I think Meghan Markle ans her fan club should be enough mature to assume her choice.
DeleteWhen it is convenient she is compared to Kate who buckled down and learned the trade in spite of bad press at the beginning. What makes a senior "working" royal? Closeness to the throne? Son and daughter of the monarch? No other Firm promotes seniority in this manner? Let us not even mention the Junior Royals who cling to titles and grandmas skirts to accept funds for doing charity work. Is it really necessary to accumulate the number of pricey clothes to meet with people who can live on the cost of one dress for weeks.
DeleteIt is usually the most critical people who have thin skins and resort to denigrating others as 'fans' as they sip their glasses of royal (blue) koolaid. Anton.
Meghan Markle made a choice , she wasn't willing to be considered as a senior working royal. Senior workings royals have public duties . So Kate Middleton is simply fullfilling her duties for the people of UK. Comparing her gestures and actions to those of Meghan Markle is very tacky and dishonnest from the Meghan fan club so called " Sussex squad". Meghan Markle must stay to a place she has chosen by herself. It looks like her fan club thinks that their '" godess" is in competition with the British royal family.
DeleteIt's a pity.
I am very impressed to see Duke and Duchess of Sussex volunteering to offer the basic necessities to the children and their families in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic. the united local community in Los Angels with solidarity to support each other.
ReplyDeleteOh, look how hard-working.
ReplyDeleteI remember how people on this forum freaked out back in March and April when anyone was seen out in public. The stay-at-home rants went on and on about how irresponsible it was not to stay at home.
And now this event, where the social distancing they preached goes right out the window.
Including photographers taking close-up photos. These are not paparazzi photos but footage from a paid photographer clearly on site to document these two finally getting the privacy they needed.
The whole scene is so ridiculous. Masks and gloves yet hands-on with a child. A child that randomly walks through a drive-through event. Everyone looks like in a desaster scene yet there are happy party balloons. And the truly poor are not typically driving anyway.
If you want to distribute free stuff to the needy, there are better and easier ways to do it, requiring no work, allowing needy families to pick up the stuff discretely and avoiding unnecessary gatherings.
Sorry, not buying this.
Agree, publicly stunt
DeletePerhaps, you should offer your services as the organizer of this event?
DeleteActually I don't remember rants about public events during COVID , mostly people expressing their concerns, now, your comment above is definitely a rant.
Firstly, there were a couple of folks up in arms during visits thought to be nonessential (such as Queen Maxima's visit to the tulip farms) where face coverings and social distancing weren't enforced. I personally applauded Princess Sophia's stint as a hospital volunteer at the start of the pandemic. It was a dynamic and pertinent cause, not too dissimilar to this event. Joblessness creates a more dire need for essentials such as the ones Baby2Baby provides. People are having to choose between changing their baby's diapers and paying rent or buying food.
DeleteSecondly, unfortunately in most parts of California and certainly in South LA, public transit is not that accessible or convenient. A car isn't a luxury. "Poor" people drive cars too. Cars are a necessity if you want to get to work on time or go get groceries without the produce wilting after hours long bus rides.
And yes, you see a young boy and his mother walk up to receive the donations. Presumably they don't have a car and cannot receive them from the safety of the cabin via a rolled down window. But you know what? When there is a need sometimes we have to allow for leeway and accommadate people. I work in healthcare and though we wear PPE, wash our hands religiously, have different shifts to minimize staff cross contamination, at the end of the day we can't social distance due to the intimate nature of our work. It's not too dissimilar to the case where a the mom and child walk up to receive the donations. What are the organizers to do? Turn them away because they don't have a car and can't social distance as well? How this event is run isn't too dissimilar from the ubiquitous food bank and hot meal events during this time of national economic downturn.
Lastly, I'm sorry you expect the event to look like a penitentiary commissary. It's a precarious time for little children who are wildly thrown out of their element and not entirely understanding of what's going on. Some levity to celebrate back-to-school gives them a sense of normalcy and gaiety.
Anna— 👏👏👏👏👏
DeleteLovely to see the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex intensiv and dedicated to work.
ReplyDeleteThey look very good - good job. I like the Victoria Beckham blouse and the ponytail, looks quite good.
Sophie
Just do it without bringing along a photographer. That's the thing about this whole volunteer thing. Is it a volunteer or photo op?
ReplyDeleteWho said they brought the photographer? Maybe the charity brought the photographer - it raises their profile too.
DeleteTotally agree.
Delete@Anon 5:13
DeleteDo you really think that they bring along their own photographer?
Are you really showing the world how daft you are here on a public forum? It never occurs to you that the organization might advertise their presence for it's own publicity which it desperately needs? (When companies see that M&H are behind a cause then they also want to donate big amounts) Or that the press knows EVERYTHING about your whereabouts when you are a recognizable celebrity? They will be there, like it or not. Or that someone who just picked up some supplies is not going to phone around and tell everyone who just handed it over to their kid? Reporters and photographers earn their pay and a living based on these kinds of photos and stories that they can find.
Are you really so uninformed? Or are you really so biased?
- Anon 9:13
@Anon 10:17
DeleteExactly.
- Anon 9:13
Mmmm, she tries to relieve people's poverty showing off her Cartier bangle!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so staged.
Should she throw her jewelry away? I volunteer with some organizations, I also donate whatever I can within my means... but I still dress nicely and have some jewelry and enjoy a good meal, does that make me a hypocrite? Should I just dress in rags because the world is just not perfect?
DeletePeople can do good and not renounce to all material things, what are you doing other than making snarky and unintelligent comments ?
@Anon 10:36
DeleteHear! Hear! Well said.
- Anon 9:13
In Holland the families in need would not be able to go by car....
ReplyDeleteBut they aren't in Holland.
DeleteObviously you don't know much about the US. Although some cities like NY, Chicago or D.C. have good public transportation, the mayority of the country have a very deficient system, or none at all, and because towns are so spreaded and horizontally built, having a car, possibly old, and possibly cheap is something that people here can't live without, disadvantage people do without basic things in order to have a car because otherwise they could never make it to work. It is sad but true, you can't compare Europe with their trains, buses, and metro lines with most of American towns.
DeleteIn California, most families, even those in need, have at least one car. Public transportation is not available everywhere, or it does not go everywhere a family may need to go.
DeleteAgree, unfortunately that's the way it goes all around the world.
DeleteIf you haven' t enough money to eat, how can you afford such cars?
Who said anything about these people not being able to eat? A car is a necessity in California. People who don’t have one are at a great disadvantage and do end up relying on people to drive them places.
DeleteThanks for making so many great points. I wanted to add that these donations of school supplies are given out every year, and it is so important because the school supplies are an added expense over a family’s monthly expenses. These kids are also going back to virtual learning this year until the numbers are low enough to reopen the schools. What a wonderful treat to get encouragement from Harry and Meghan! This is about the children. I would hope we could focus on that right now.
DeleteLA: 1.290,6 qm2
DeleteAmsterdam: 219,32 qm2
I thought they left the UK because they wanted privacy.
ReplyDeleteWhatsapp with the publicity?
@Unknown
DeleteWhy don't you ask the reporters about the publicity? They're the ones who are going wherever M&H go to take photos and write a story, because they know they will earn good money for anything about these two.
Tell the reporters that you want them to stop reporting about M&H and that you will make up for the lost income because according to you M&H want privacy. (And if you cannot follow though on this, then don't tell a reporter and a photographer how to do their job. It is none of your business.)
- Anon 9:13
I hate ro see people who are in love.
ReplyDeleteIs that you Eleanor Rigby?
DeleteAlmost right, it´s me Nowhere man.
DeleteToodle pip and cheerio,
I'm fine with the fashion here, the utilitarian style works for what they are doing. I am not a fan of wearing an expensive Cartier bracelet to this type of volunteer event, that is just my two cents. Baby2baby is such a celeb heavy cause, there is always photogs. Just curious as to why Harry is fine with celeb photogs and not royal ones?
ReplyDeleteChel
Keep up the great work Duke and Duchess!
ReplyDelete
Delete100% Agree.
@12:58 A few details on this type of event.
ReplyDelete1. These events (even before covid) require permission from the local authorities especially if they are held in a public space. One of the main concerns is insurance. Lately social distancing rules are a factor too This is probably the reason for the drive through solution. There is a bit of a festive air because in the past people socialized at these events. Should they have turned away a child who showed up on foot? What if his parents have no car?..even though in LA practically every family has a car because public transport is not easy to access as in other cities.
2. There is a relaxing of rules in areas when the transmission rate goes below the number 1. We do not see if someone is there taking temperatures or administering tests before the cars move up in line. Some events are combined with covid testing to get an idea of the presence of the virus in a community.
3. In August, many cities have these back pack events sponsored by companies, and local charities/churches. You can find them listed under local events on your city's website. How can this be done with no work if the supplies come from different manufacturers and have to be assembled in the backpacks?
4. As simple as it looks, this teaches children a sense of community, and empathy, so that they will do the same thing for others when they become adults.
I have a theory that during this year of review they have to keep providing proof that they are continuing their work just as you would to your source of funding, so the pictures are necessary. No one knows what the details of their agreement is ....just saying.
4. We see only what they want to share (you can always look away)..that is what privacy means to them, the right not be disturbed in their personal lives by people they do not know.
Looking for negatives in every situation is so lacking in grace...July
Unknown @ 11:32.... what a horrible statement.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing horrible or unintelligent as someone said.
DeletePure facts.
You can' t reply to what you do not agree with being rude yourself.
Eveyone is entitled to express her/his point of view whether others like it or not.
I myself do donations and not in rags, of course.
DeleteYou can' t judge my life only on the basis of just
a comment on this site.
I want privacy, I make donations in quite a different way.
That's all.
Not facts - lack of basic information before criticising.
DeleteWhich as you say you are entitled to do.. just a little foolish if the criticism isn't based in reality.
Nobody is obliged to know how public transport works in America, California, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's silly to attack who simply do not adore the Sussexes.
@ 1:41, not sure if you are referring to my previous response about public transportation, so here it goes... Nobody is obligated to know anything about any other country, although some people appreciate learning things .
DeleteNowhere in my comment I attacked anybody, period.
My comment was just a clarification about why people have to own a vehicle in this country in order to survive, and nobody should be judged because they need assistance. I don't adore the Sussexes, neither do I hate them, don't know them.
Then do not offer an opinion based in ignorance and/or poor schooling.
DeleteWell, if going to criticise people based on lack of knowledge of their lives perhaps a little basic information might be useful...
DeleteWhat was silly was making assumptions that people in need would not own a car. It has nothing to do with the Sussexes. That is another assumption. It would be better to ask a question than jump to conclusions. Maybe we can all try to work on our communication.
DeleteAnonymous 12:58
ReplyDeleteVery well said!
Rachel craves for publicity, no matter what she keeps on preaching.
Who is Rachel?
DeleteAre you referring to Meghan? She's never been known as Rachel so not sure what you hope to achieve by calling her that?
Who is Rachel?
ReplyDeleteAmazing how people are running around with their hair on fire in order to defend a Royal Family from the " horrible" things that Meghan has inflicted on them, it would be funny if it wasn't so obvious that some seem to live on this universe where gossip, rumors and speculation dominates the social platforms. Anything goes, from statements about a woman that wears an expensive bracelet, so she can't care about others, while ignoring the fact that the other side of the family can show at a charitable event with clothing, shoes and purses that altogether cost more than the monthly income of those screaming about the freaking bracelet.
ReplyDeleteStating that people that own a car can't possibly be in need, these are the people that have probably lost their jobs and just like that have to face a very hard situation. Lack of compassion abounds on this forum, only surpassed by cruelty and deep ignorance.
I can see a lot of ignorance about poor people situations in Europe .
DeleteThey can' t eventi nave an old car to go places.
As I said , I do my own donations and I' m very sensitive towards people in need
Here people tend to offend comment authors without knowing nothing about their lives and behaviours in real life.
I'll never write any other comment.
I don't agree with this way of offending people to this extent.
Not used to.
I can see a lot of verbal cruelty to people who are only guilty of expressing their standpoint.
DeleteWe call it democracy in many countries.
...all because they can’t stand a woman they don’t know, have never met, and will never meet. If their mothers, sisters, or daughters were being treated that way, for the same reasons, they would sing a different tune. Suddenly that gossip they treat like gospel wouldn’t be so fun to
DeleteNot poor schooling for sure, I'. graduated.
ReplyDeleteI gave my own opinion ,what was my right like anybody else here.
I've been travelling all around the world since I was in my teens, but America has never been in my list for many reasons.
Most European countries do have top level means of transport and I live in one of them, so I couldn' t even suppose California is that lacking in public transport.
I can' t know public transport in California as you don' t know public transport in Europe .
Period.
In most European countries ,people in need can' t even afford a car, given the costs a car implies.
No need to make a fuss about just a sentence of mine.
For people who can' t stand criticing adored Meghan, Rachel is her second name , as far as I know.
I can' t get what surprise can there be in that.
I do not hate Meghan.
Period.
Please, stop offending people who just don' t think the way you do without ever meeting them in person.
Period.
Am European, still understand that the US is a country that relies on the car. Something to do with the large distances apart from anything else.
DeleteI don't adore Meghan nor do I hate her. I think there are things she and Harry can justifiably be criticised for and some things they just can't win at.
Why would you choose to call someone by a name they have never used? Do you address people you know by their middle names? Don't try to be disingenuous - it was a snark.
You can also choose not to take offence - if you're going to criticise (which I totally agree you have every right to do) then you should be ready for some people to disagree.
Hi Unknown. Her name is Rachael Meghan, and she has always gone by her middle name. I don’t the point of calling her Rachael, but obviously it was not meant to be kind by the person who did it.
DeleteI don’t know which comments are yours, but as a general comment, so many things are said when it comes to Meghan that would fall under the category of a personal attack, not an opinion. There is a clear divide when it comes to the people on this blog and elsewhere, and it is driven by the tabloids. Making declarations such as Meghan (and Harry) volunteering as publicity stunts, bringing photographers to get attention, calling her a gold digger, placing blame on her for the situation with her family, etc., is not based on any fact and is not an opinion. It is spreading gossip. An opinion is saying her blouse looks too ______, and her shoes look _______. Then others may or may not agree with your sense of style. Opinions. Clothes are something we can see, and we can judge based on our own thoughts. Sometimes we throw in a thought on the charity or a specific photo. Personal attacks are all the things that no one could have any knowledge of, yet they are stated as fact. The person making the comment has a clear personal bias against Meghan and wants to believe the negative stories that are printed.
About the transportation, I am quite aware of the excellent public transportation in Europe. It is a shame we haven’t the same here. I can also understand why there would be confusion about people receiving resources being able to own a car. The first comment about car ownership was a little snarky, which got reactions. The next comment on the ‘other side’ made an assumption that people in need can’t eat, but still own cars. It would have been better to ask a question than assuming the worst. I have seen others ask questions here, and it benefits everyone.
You last sentence speaks volumes. That is exactly what goes on every time there is a post about Meghan. You feel offended by what has been written, which has been pretty mild in comparison to what is said about Meghan daily. No one has met her personally, either. I’m sorry you are so upset.
Anon @ 10:04 PM , you are right on, all these people acting like Meghan has committed a crime just because she was smart enough to getaway from a life that she couldn’t bear. All the haters on this thread seem to know exactly what drove this couple to walk, and they make judgements based on the idiocy of the tabloids. OK you all speculate , so I am going to do the same , I think that this family is cold, entitled and out of touch, here comes an American bi-racial divorced woman , educated and well know for her dedication to social causes, oh my I can see them fainting and reaching for the salts, I don’t believe that they ever gave her a chance. Never tried to stop the attacks. William strikes me as an entitled better than thou individual, that like his daddy cheats on his wife, and Kate is the picture of a woman totally dominated by the circumstances, vapid and not too bright. Not to mention Andrew and the rest... wow!! Do you guys think my speculations are in target? Well that is what you do ,so..,
ReplyDeleteMiss Marple
No, I don't agree with your speculations and repeating of tabloid tropes any more than I agree with similar points "on the other side".
DeleteSomething tells me it's more than speculation - your vehemence strikes me as coming from someone who is convinced by what they say.
Maybe I took it the wrong way, but I thought Miss Marple was trying point out that the rumors about William and Kate are out there. The difference being that stories about Meghan continue to get traction and stories about William are quieted. There is a large segment of people that want to see Meghan fail and look hard for those failures. The overall feeling is that no one wants William to be anything more than the perfect husband and father. Count me as one of those people. Knowing that Charles and Camilla were carrying on while they were each married has tainted how I look at them. The same would happen for me with William if those rumors about him were true. Miss Marple put it all out there and it can be uncomfortable to hear. Of course Andrew is another story, and it boggles the mind as to why he is being sheltered when Meghan went unprotected during the worst of it. It was the same with Diana. Those are just my personal observations.
DeleteSadly some people in the US live in their cars.Love what Megs and Harry are doing.Perhaps we should all give a little more.
ReplyDeleteAnon@ 3:48... Exactly, my post was mimicking what the people that constantly repeat rumors, run with the gossip and continue the vicious cycle. My post was irony, just trying to show that not everything published can be believed. I don't understand these visceral feelings towards people that we don't know, I personally think that generally is based on some dark desire of believing the worst about people that we can't accept because their image doesn't conform with our ideas. Finally, my references toward the other side of the family were parroting the tabloids, and trying to show how cruel is to speculate, it looks like I failed to do that, and you thought that I believe that hogwash... I don't.
ReplyDeleteMiss Marple
Anon@12:44 PM. Good for you to make donations privately, after all I assume that you aren't a public figure. Just one word of advice, charity starts at home and is not just about giving money or even time, is also about being charitable with our words, about not spreading gossip, about not passing judgement of others, about not demeaning others, about disagreeing without condescending, about not making assumptions about the character of persons we know nothing about, about leading by example in front of our children, about not bullying, about forgiveness and acceptance , and also about not dwelling too much into the private lives of others.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself .
CB
I´ll stay away from discussing Meghan, but I must say I´m very surprised about the discussion about car ownership. Granted that petrol and most other car-related costs are considerably cheaper in the US compared to Europe, but when it comes to basic necessities, a car will never rank top of the list ANYWHERE, certainly not above food and rent. If you really are needy and can´t afford nappies and wipes for your baby, you most certainly can´t afford a car. That´s a no-brainer, and disputing it is ridiculous. Also, cars shown don´t look cheap/old/rusty or anything I´d associate with someone struggling to make ends meet.
ReplyDeleteIt really isn’t possible to tell what make, model, and year each car is that is shown. I am reasonably certain that the third picture shows a minivan, which could easily be 20 years old. At that age, I can assure you there would be a lot of miles on a vehicle. I put 27,000 miles on a brand new car in one year just being a mom. Rust isn’t a big problem on cars in California because the weather is mild. We have years of droughts, and California doesn’t experience snow, except in a few areas. If a car has rust, it is probably because it was in an accident and not repaired right away (or so old it was not worth repairing). You can’t use rust as an indicator of age. Cars can be leased for a few hundred dollars a month, and old but still running cars can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. Believe it or not, some people even donate old running cars instead of selling them for a low amount. I have done that. That is how much we rely on cars to get to work, stores, doctors, etc.
DeleteYou also need to keep in mind that families that live month to month cannot afford to have a month with back-to-school supplies to throw off the budget. Any extra expenses hurt a family financially. That is why events like this happen every year to provide kids with school supplies. The community rally’s today help out.
Cars are such a necessity here that we don’t give it a second thought. I can only say that I would hope you wouldn’t stay closed minded about this. No one on here is lying. This is a different place in the world, our cities are built differently, our taxes are lower so less is provided by the government. Maybe one day you will visit and see for yourself. If you want to rely on public transportation, San Francisco is pretty easy to navigate. Once you leave the city, you will want a car.
In the communities that are spread out away from the city a car is a must. It is possible to rent a car for as little as $200 per month for a contract period of time. The renter is responsible for fuel, repairs, insurance, etc. It not so much that the families are destitute, but the free things will save them from buying supplies for a month or two and the money can go elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThese events also attract other vendors who give away products as free advertising, and medical personal who do mild checkups like testing blood pressure. Gyms offer limited free memberships. Some even rent inflatable castles for the kids to play. It is usually a community event for people to meet each other as well. Covid has changed the dynamic.
Vanessa, you have no idea of what you are talking about. It’s impossible to work, shop or run the most basic errands without a car in most US cities, in many areas there is absolutely no public transportation, period. People sacrifice many conveniences in order to have an automobile, otherwise they couldn’t go to work, doctor appointments etc,
ReplyDelete... and yes old cars aren’t expensive, lots of underprivileged people take loans or save up enough in order to have a way to earn their living. You are entitled to your sanctimonious opinion, but should refrain from making statements about an issue that you know nothing about.
I highly doubt that there is absolutely no public transport in many areas in most US cities. I have admittedly never lived in LA (though I have been) but a quick look at the cosmopolitan transport map shows an extensive network. It´s a very spread-out city, I know, and there are certainly areas miles away from the next metro station, but it is not like you´re doomed without a car. (Fun facts: LA has the third-largest public transit system in the country by ridership. The four light rail lines are the largest by ridership in the country. The buses rank second in the country by ridership and size of fleet.) Public transport does exist, and people use it.
DeleteIf an area doesn´t have any shops, doctor´s offices, schools etc. within walking distance, and people are unable to "run the most basic errands" without a car, I wonder what made people live there? Especially the needy?
Americans generally aren´t eager to walk and they have a vastly different conception of what distance is reasonable to go by car. There are almost always alternatives to going by car, they often even work out cheaper. If you can afford the car, the insurance, the fuel, the odd repair, parking fees etc, you don´t qualify as needy in my book. If you have conveniences to sacrifice (in order to have a car), you are not needy. Needy people don´t have any conveniences. They wouldn´t even dream of taking a loan because no-one would ever grant them one. Needy people need support from charities, because they literally cannot afford a pack of nappies. These party-type events on the other hand are not charity, they are PR-events. Products are given away as free advertising, like anon. 1:53 correctly states, meaning the people targeted are potential new costumers ideally BUYING the products once they´ve tried them out. Same goes for for free gym trial memberships etc. No needy person would pay for a gym membership while unable to afford nappies and wipes for their baby.
to anon.8:39: 72,000 miles per year means you go 74 miles (120km) per day on average, including weekends. I don´t know how you get together that kind of mileage "just being a mom" but that´s a highly inefficient lifestyle. I´d consider relocating.
Vanessa, I was hoping we would see you trying to be a little more open minded this time around. I guess it just isn’t in the cards. You addressed me personally. I am the one that put 27,000 miles on my car in one year, not the 72,000 you mistakenly wrote. I absolutely did put those miles on my car, and a similar amount each year, and I do live in a centrally located place. We bought our home with our life and obligations in mind, and paid more to buy in the area we did. It was close to my husband’s job, our kids school, and our families. Most importantly, it was close to the doctors and hospital for one of our children. I will share that I was commuting twice a day to take my special needs child to school 19.2 miles away. I took my child to school, came home, and returned in the afternoon to pick my child up. That was just one child. I still had to get to the public school in the opposite direction, and it was not walking distance. In addition to that, I had to take my child for medical appointments and procedures and surgeries which were not local, but at Children’s Hospital, 18 or so miles away. It is not very far at all. I live right near the freeway, but traffic is always horrible. Then there are the miles put on taking the kids to activities. Kids don’t always stay in town to do their sports. They play other teams and compete sometimes hours away. We typically took my husband’s car on the weekends because it was bigger and could hold the gear. My life was highly efficient, but busy, and I never took away from my healthy kids because so much time was taken up with a sibling that required more of our time. If you choose not to believe me, it is your prerogative, but I shared in hopes that you may try to understand and not be so judgmental. BTW, my child with special needs is now an adult and cannot drive. We live the frustration daily of watching this young adult try to get around without a car. Buses and the train don’t go everywhere. A lot of walking is involved and for a person with Cerebral Palsy, walking a few miles to the final destination is not possible.
DeleteI am sorry you have the wrong idea about this Baby2Baby event. It is not about publicity, but I know from past experience that you don’t budge.
*Baby2Baby Co-Presidents Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof said in a statement: "We are so grateful to be onsite during the most unique back to school week in history distributing school supplies, backpacks, hygiene, clothing and food directly to children and families who have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and are struggling to afford the basic necessities they rely on school to provide. We are committed to supporting the students from our partners at LAUSD and around the country throughout distance learning as well as when they are back in the classroom."
Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said: "Thank you to Baby2Baby for your generosity and support. The faces of the students and families as they receive necessary supplies remind us all how important it is, during these most difficult of times, to create a sense of stability and even a few moments of happiness, in the lives of those we serve."
Baby2Baby was one of four charities chosen by Harry, 35, and Meghan, 39, for donations in lieu of gifts to celebrate the birth of Archie in May 2019.*
I'm anonymous who was harshly and unfairly attacked on a personal level only because I wrote about people having cars while in need in America and about Meghan' s Cartier bangle worn on this occasion.
ReplyDeleteThat' s the only thing I said about Meghan.
The comments about her clothes or other detais related to her are not mine.
And yes, I called her Rachel, not because I' m disingenous, as someone has so nicely said, but because I myself have two names and people call me in both ways .
I don't make a fuss about it!
Should I apologize even for eritung Rachel instead of Meghan?
I did not want to " achieve" anything saying Rachel!
Period.
I really want to say thank you to some of you who talked to me kindly and understood what I meant in my comments.
Your kind clarifications about having a car in America are welcome and prove you can correct others' statements without being rude and bullying commentators " guilty" of having different points of view.
It' s no use clapping hands when you see the Sussexes helping poor people while offending people on the other hand just because they do not agree on some points with you.
Firstly, one should be able to respect people commenting in here and reply kindly .
Some people think Meghan must be respected but they do not respect at all common people giving their opinions, which is simply mindless.
Thanks again to people who have treated me well.
I do not attack people who I don' t know personally about their education, behaviour and so on, nor I scrutinize any single word in people' s comments to raise tantrums.
I expect others to do the same with me.
Kindness is priceless and is always appreciated.
Anon@ 12:00 PM , If only you had a name, we could possibly know who are we responding to, it seems you made lots of comments but it’s difficult to say which are yours? I haven’t seen any personal attacks, precisely because we don’t even know which are your comments. What I have read is respectful explanations to a very snarky comment and judgement about whether people are in need. Your last post truly is the example of somebody that criticizes others... Rachel, bracelet, cars etc., and then writes a long post about how people mistreats them...
ReplyDeleteReading all the comments here, it's clear that Meghan Markle fans are very violent and agressive. They want to dictate others how somebody has to think about Meghan. Like it or not, Meghan is not a good person. Simeone who divide for her personnal agenda instead of uniting is not a recommandable person. She is using charity only for her self promotion and for arrogance. She wants to show that her and her " husband H" Can survive and stay relevant without the royal family. I 'm begging the so called " Sussex squad" to calm down a little bit. You're not obliged to answer or attack any comment that does not bow to the most intelligent, féminist, engaged , outspoken , ect...woman in the World: Meghan Markle, the woman who got Harry free from the toxic and lazy royal family. Brava to Meghan!
ReplyDeleteYou are attacking people in your long comment here - and being really quite (passive) aggressive about it cf. use of word Period.
ReplyDeleteNobody has been unkind to you - people disagreed with you. Get over it.
And I stand by my statement that you are disingenuous about calling Meghan Rachel. Meghan is not called Rachel ever - and hasn't been in any of these discussions. You used it for a reason and I find the explanation you are giving now farfetched - whatever happens in your personal case doesn't mean that the majority of people go around being addressed by two different names at the whim of the person speaking to them.
Anon@ 12:00 PM... Are you kidding me? You talk about kindness after posting snarky, and innuendo filled comments? You’ve got some nerve...
ReplyDeleteMM
I did not know that posts about Meghan could generate such unpleasant attacks.
ReplyDeleteIf attacks about a supposed ignorance/ poor schoolingof mine are normal in your opinion, they are galse and unkind in mine.
I just wanted to thank gentle people who gave clarifications without questioning commentators' education, thoughts and opinions.
America is not the centre of the world, not everybody is to know how transportation works there.
I simply appreciate information given about it calmly and kindly, without questioning my schooling, education or whatever is not related to the topic being discussed.
Some commentators have been gentle and I thanked them.
You can think whatever you want about " Rachel", it's not my problem.
I gave my explanation and what I said is true.
I think that attacking people harshly on a personal level when
posts about Meghan appear discourages commentators and refrains them from intervening.
I was attacked on a personal level which has nothing to do with the present post about Meghan and I replied, as anybody else would have done.
That' s all.
Most adults ask people to call them by a specific name. The use of second names or nicknames is reserved for friends and family. Rachel is her name but she does not use it, which makes the writer look petty. Henry for instance has a lot of names. He has been called Harry his whole life and asks everyone to call him Harry. It is easy to criticize and use underhand methods of belittling someone, but if the focus is turned on the writer for posting information that is incorrect, Oh! the unkindness!
DeleteA person who has traveled and has a wide range of experiences as stated would know that this picture is a snapshot in time and may not be representative of the whole event, that looking at a map of transportation in LA does not give an accurate picture, that the person up thread who drives 20 miles per day is normal for many people who live in one town, and work in another or in another state. People who live in New Jersey for instance travel to work in New York every day. They drive to the train station or a bus stop and commute. It's called park and ride. The best hospitals, doctors, or entertainment may not be in the town one chooses to live. Solution, a car and a commute.
People in need are not necessarily what is seen in the movies. Millions of people are out of work because of covid (not just in the US) and any offer of supplies that they do not have to buy is welcomed.
When critiquing someone's appearance, the first rule is to say what looks good, or was done well, then comment on what can be improved. Including second names, family disputes, and your own personal tastes are not a comment on the person's appearance. The 'golden rule' applies.
Punto.
I think Harry is a Gentleman. He is living life and in my opinion he is going on with the same charity as his mother did.
ReplyDeleteI like his kindness,respect to other humans,animals.
Meghan I do not understand.War with her family,war with his family,war with media.....not that fan to her.
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