Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Old Man and the Wrecking Crew
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Apr 4, 2025 The heartwarming story of Captain Tom Moore shines as he walks for charity, becoming a beacon of hope during the pandemic. His inspiring fundraising journey raises nearly £39 million for NHS nurses and earns him a knighthood. However, under the surface lies a troubling narrative of ethical dilemmas within the Captain Tom Foundation, revealing issues of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency. As the foundation faces scrutiny, the podcast prompts us to rethink our views on charity in a commercial world.
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Captain Tom's Walk
- Captain Tom Moore, a WWII veteran, walked in his garden to raise money for nurses during the first COVID lockdown.
- This captured the British spirit during a difficult time and raised tens of millions of pounds.
War Metaphor
- Captain Tom's story resonated with the British public due to the prevalent war metaphor surrounding the pandemic.
- He embodied the strength and resilience of the WWII generation, capturing the lockdown spirit.
Warm Glow Effect
- A study by Carlin and Wood showed most charitable giving isn't driven by cost-effectiveness.
- Emotional appeals, like a child hugging their mother, lead to more donations, the 'warm glow' effect.
