Dear Editor,

I love that my community is committed to helping the less fortunate at Christmas time. That is what this season is all about.

However, I am saddened by the promotion of the Strip-a-thon. Yes, thousands of dollars are raised for Christmas hampers, which on the surface seems like an obvious win for everyone.

It comes with a far greater cost to society, though, both moral and financial.

No matter how noble the intentions behind the event, the objectifying of women and the casual attitude towards sex are the beginning of poverty in our society, not the solution for it.

"It doesn't matter where the money comes from. With the passing of money from one to the other, it comes from the heart," said Christmas hamper society co-chair Lorraine Bates [Strip-a-thon will draw a crowd, Nov 27, TIMES].

I can see the good that is done with these funds, but I would argue that, in this situation, the giving is compelled not by a heart for those in need, but by lust, which is a destructive force against families and society.

Those who sincerely want to give from the heart will find countless ways to combat poverty without contributing to it.

Your article brags about guys bringing their buddies, and invites critics to come in and have a good time.

I don't doubt that it's a lot of fun, and the cause is wholesome, but ultimately, there is no advantage to society when men are drawn into strip clubs.

These men may actually put their families at increased risk for poverty.

You don't have to look far to see the negative effects of casual sex/sexual addiction on our society.

I trust that we will, as a community, be generous this Christmas to the less fortunate among us.

Let us choose from the many opportunities for giving which promote dignity and integrity for all.

Marilee Hare, Maple Ridge