A Dundee street beggar has said he does not want any money from an online fundraiser set up to help get him off the streets.
Raymond Yorke, also known as Jim Smith after changing his name by deed poll, is a regular beggar in the city streets and can be seen with his dog sitting outside Debenhams at the Nethergate.
A passer-by took a photo of Jim and posted it online asking for greater sympathy for beggars and for people to help out more by giving loose change.
A justgiving page was then set up for him, asking for £500 — of which £48 has been raised so far — to help get him off the streets.
However, numerous people began to comment claiming that Jim is not homeless and that he has a house in Douglas.
When approached at what Jim said was his brother’s home, he said he did not want anything to do with the fundraiser.
“I didn’t want this fundraising page set up and I haven’t received any money or asked for any money from it,” Jim said.
“I’m worried people think I’m conning them but I only beg for small change to get money for gas and electric and for food for my dog.
“I am part homeless; I stay with my brother and friends but don’t have my own home.
“I have asked the people who set up the page to take it down but they have refused.”
In the original post, now shared over 1500 times on Facebook, Benjamin Alexander said: “This man’s name is Jim. He Sits outside Debenhams. He has a dog and lost his home when he lost his mum. Please don’t think every beggar is a junkie, don’t be stereotypical.
“You can tell the difference. Everyone has a story, a past and most importantly a life. A simple 70p tin of dog food to help this guy feed his dog.
“Please take time to listen to people and not be judgemental. Please share this post and maybe one day Jim can get to be where he needs to be. Peace.”
The justgiving page, set up by Antonia Dougan, says: “The help starts here. Lets put our silver and coppers together to help this man out. Even enough to buy him a new pair of trainers. Anything is better than nothing.
“The money was going to go to the homeless man who told his story but I know there is a lot more people out there just like him who need a help in hand. So I’ve decide that the money will be split into equal amounts and giving to homeless shelters and food banks around Dundee. We need some good news in this city for change.”
