The city of Duncan has installed the signs warning against giving money to panhandlers at busy intersections and make a donation to a local social service agency.
James Tousignant of the Cowichan Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association says encouraging panhandling on a highway or major street is dangerous.
He says good options available for donations, such as Cowichan Women Against Violence or the Food Basket Society, groups that provide a variety of services directly to people in need.
He also says money that has been given directly to people usually goes to whatever they feel their greatest need is – good or bad.
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