Telethon raises 'too much money'
Aids charity says €100m TV fundraiser raises too much for muscular distrophy, to the detriment of other good causes
THE HEAD of an Aids charity has provoked a row by accusing the organisers of the annual Telethon of "leeching off people's generosity" and raising more money than they need.
Sidaction president Pierre Bergé said muscular distrophy charity AFM was getting "too much money" from the annual fundraiser, which last year raised €105m.
His comments come a fortnight before this year's event, which will be covered across the French public TV and radio network on December 4 and 5.
"I am not accusing anyone of misusing money, but [donating] €100m to the Telethon is pointless," Mr Bergé told France Info this weekend.
"The organisers have too much money. The Telethon leeches off people's generosity by showing images of children with muscular problems, by showing off their misfortune. I find that absolutely inadmissible."
AFM president Laurence Tiennot-Herment said she was "deeply shocked" by the remarks, which she said could jeopardise the forthcoming event.
Research minister Valérie Pécresse said AFM - which has organised the annual Telethon since 1987 - had made vital investments in scientific research thanks to the money raised, but she recognised that Aids was also an important cause that needed better funding.
