Donating money

[Smash Williams]

A coach I worked closely with at one of my former papers has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He fought with cancer while I was working there, and they thought he'd gone into long-term remission, but it's apparently returned and is not treatable.

He wants to take his family of five to Disney World before he becomes to weak to go, and the people in the (relatively small) town are taking donations. I no longer work in the state, let alone the area, and very much want to make a contribution to this fund.

However, it makes me ethically a little squeamish since he was a former source. He's the nicest guy in the world, always willing to work with me and never upset when I just couldn't cover his team. I met his wife and kids a couple times too, and I just feel like... I don't know. It's the least I can do, I guess.

What say you, fellow journalists? Should I go ahead and contribute to this fund?

 

[HejiraHenry]

Yes.

 

[KYSportsWriter]

Seconded.

Don't really see a problem.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

No problems. Not only is he now a former sources, but also life takes priority over job.

 

[buckweaver]

Do what's right in your heart. And remember that you're a human being before you're a journalist.

 

[Fredrick]

Give to your heart's content. Hope they raise lots of money.

 

[Colton]

Smash: A friend of mine calls doing wonderful, selfless things such as this treasure in heaven.

By all means, do so. And good for you.

 

[spnited]

There is no reason to have a second thought about this. Do whatever you feel you can do for this man.

 

[NoOneLikesUs]

If you know him enough that you feel like you want to donate, do so.

If you're uncomfortable with having your name attached to your donation, donate anonymously.

 

[Cadet]

Do it. Don't think twice about it if you no longer cover his team. Hell, I'd do it if I still covered his team and see it as a donation to the kids to enjoy time with their father.

If you don't wish to do so anonymously, do so with a card stating what you did in the first post: that you enjoyed working with him and how coaches like him stand out in our line of work. Let him know.

 

[accguy]

Agree with everyone. Do it without a second thought.

 

[SF_Express]

I'm sure there are some purists who would find an objection. I'm not one of them.

 

[harbinger]

The coach is no longer a source. He likely will never be a source again. I don't see where others could accuse you of conflict of interest. Your only reasonable concern is if the gift somehow reveals that he was a source of information for you or the paper. I think it's a secondary issue given the circumstances.

But if you have any concerns, clear it with your editor (and run it by the editor at the paper where you covered the coach) before sending the donation. Then do it with a clear conscience.

 

[Flash]

Before he's a source, he is a human who is in need of your help.

Do it.

 

[2underpar]

do it.