I have only been lightly related to mutual aid groups, but I have participated in some capacity with at least a dozen all over the world. In both Canada and the US it often seemed like it a charity donation rather than adding something to a pool that you might also need help from. Like - When I am flush with cash I will donate to some mutual aid group and months later when I need some help, whether financial or just ‘an extra set of arms for a hug’, it is either not forthcoming, or given with obvious hesitation/affront.

This is not everywhere, obviously. And I wouldn’t even say it was the predominant interaction. Just more prevalent here than what I saw in Europe.