These are the usual diversionary tactics "any amount for charity no matter how small makes the whole thing worthwhile." In fact you need to look at the charity sum in relation to several other things:
1/ Each year the event is said to generate £17.5m of extra income for businesses city wide (not just the gay village by any means).
2/ In recent years Pride itself has had an income of £1 million plus.
3/ As a percentage of the Pride income the charity sum has continued to fall to the point where it was below 10% last year.
4/ Ticket income now makes up two-thirds of the income while businesses city wide contribute a pitifully small amount while benefiting enormously. Bear in mind prior to 2003 there was NO ticket (except in 1999) when zero was raised for good causes.
5/ This event was started entirely to raise money for HIV/AIDS causes. Not to make business-owners wealthy.
1/ Each year the event is said to generate £17.5m of extra income for businesses city wide (not just the gay village by any means).
2/ In recent years Pride itself has had an income of £1 million plus.
3/ As a percentage of the Pride income the charity sum has continued to fall to the point where it was below 10% last year.
4/ Ticket income now makes up two-thirds of the income while businesses city wide contribute a pitifully small amount while benefiting enormously. Bear in mind prior to 2003 there was NO ticket (except in 1999) when zero was raised for good causes.
5/ This event was started entirely to raise money for HIV/AIDS causes. Not to make business-owners wealthy.