Well I had an idea this thread was going to cause some offence, clearly I can tick that box. Oh well. Some interesting responses and I can see the point about raising awareness of certain issues, using things that will draw a crowd and widen the audience for that particular issue. A good point that I had not fully considered.

I think the thing that prompted me most to shake my head in bewilderment was some young person a few years back who was seeking sponsorship to climb Everest for charity. And then there's the dogooders who want money to take a bunch of 'troubled youths' hiking the Kokoda Track or something. Let me know when they're organising a trip for a bunch of kids who've worked hard and got good marks, leave the trainee criminals at home, and maybe I'll consider chipping in.

Maybe I'll start a 'rant-a-thon'. Anyone want to sponsor me?