Dear Economist,

I am often asked to sponsor various “a-thons” for charitable purposes. The range of events is endless, from bowl-a-thons to skip-a-thons, and of no inherent value to anyone. Would it not be far more beneficial if the events were more creditable in nature? For example, arranging a rubbish-a-thon whereby individuals are sponsored by the hour for clearing a riverbank of rubbish. Surely the end result would be increased sponsorship being raised; a cleaner environment; and an increased sense of achievement.