As selfish as it might seem to pen it, I’m almost fed up with giving.

And it began last year, with the onslaught of ‘giving days’. The letters all adopted a similar script. A chance to ‘give back’ to a primary school in the distant past, or to the secondary school where my formal partner dumped me for someone else. Or to the university where others gave so generously – and now I was being gifted the opportunity to ‘give too’.

And like so many others, I did. Some schools raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and universities, millions. And every one of them, probably utterly worthwhile.

But what’s been the impact of that on other charities? Because in my little microcosm, it’s had a flow-on effect to charities that might normally be lining up for a lift. Cancer fundraisers. Life-saving appeals. Scout drives. The Salvos. Raffles to fund domestic violence awareness.

Except for the lucky few, most household budgets are stretched tight, and if we listen to the Reserve Bank they might become even tighter. That will impact on fundraisers for those who need a helping hand.

Last year’s Giving Days, which will wind up again as tax time looms, has been a significant disrupter to how and why and even to whom we might give.

But ubiquitous GoFundMe pages are now turning that on its head too. From defamation defences to sick children, widows to orphans, pets to funerals, the appeal for funds has become increasingly individual.

We all know 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros who lost his mother Vanessa in the Seaworld Helicopter crash on the Gold Coast. He almost lost his own life too, and remains in hospital.

“His entire body is broken but he’s a survivor,’’ a GoFundMe pages broadcasts. “His father Simon who is a truck driver has been by his side in the hospital ever since unable to work. His bills are mounting.’’ And in less than a fortnight, $466,000 – towards a goal of $500,000 – has been raised.

And Nicholas and his dad deserve every last cent of it.

The Whipps family, I don’t know, but their daughter Evie has stolen my heart too. She battles diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) according to Kasie, who has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds – with a tally of $83,835 so far.

“Evie is a kind, caring and empathetic 10 year old girl living in Bunbury, WA with her mum Pia, Dad Josh, sister Elsie and her baby brother Sunny. She is a beautiful old soul who feels the emotions of those around her and always wants to help. She loves music and art and wants to learn the clarinet (among other instruments). She loves swimming, playing netball and going on adventures with her family. Up until just over a week ago she was happy and healthy and living life to the fullest.’’

It would be a cold heart that wasn’t moved by her plight and the love of those who surround her.

The amount of money raised through GoFundMe campaigns is quite staggering. Children left without a mother brought in almost $30,000 in a day. In two days, 136 donors offered a total of $60,000 for Andrew, who died in a scooter accident. “Friends and paramedics tried everything they could to save him,’’ the GofundMe page says.

They are personal. Intimate even. And direct. Our funds could go deliver materially for a specific child, or adult or even a pet. It puts us in control of the dollars we spend, and those in need in control of how they seek those donations.

“On the 17th of February our beloved son, grandson, brother and nephew Joshua Thatcher tragically passed away in a terrible car accident,’’ another says. “Joshua was a well known, loved member of the Mount Isa community and a friend to many.’’ His family was devastated and needed to take him home to New Zealand.

“We have been advised it is going to cost an estimated $30,000 to take him from Mount Isa through to Auckland.’’ And another $5,000 – $10,000 to get him home to his final resting place.

It’s easy to see it’s as addictive as Wordle because it takes out the middleman and the red tape and the public relations. It is real people talking to real people, wanting to make a real difference – in medical emergencies and deaths, to help fund funerals and court cases, educate children and provide surgery for the family pet.

But where does it leave those without a voice; those without the pathway or support club to launch fundraising campaigns? Where does it leave those big spectacular organisations like the Smith Family or St Vincent de Paul or the Cancer Council or Hear & Say?

That’s what I’m struggling with. Every single one I’ve read deserves support. But in our bid to make a difference to others, it would be a mistake to allow this disruption to mute the voice of others where the need is just as big.