Like (I suspect) most people these days, half the mail I receive consists of appeals from a host of charities.
It is no exaggeration to say I average around 10 a week. By no means all of these are charities I have chosen to donate to on past occasions, so I assume my address is passed on (probably with the word "Sucker" underlined in red on the list.)
It irritates me, occasionally elicits a response, and even more rarely is added to those to whom I pay a small amount each month by direct debit.
But, and it is a big but, there is one thing absolutely guaranteed to send me into orbit, hissing and spitting, and that is the appeal which arrives in a suspiciously bulky package presaging the inclusion of some tatty, totally unwanted 'free' gift.
Just as there is no such thing a a free lunch, so is there no such thing as a free gift. "A spratt to catch a mackerel" is the phrase which springs to mind.
Today, a particularly huge envelope included a shopping bag with 'cute' animals on the front. It is the sort of bag I would never be seen with in a million years but that is not my objection. It is quite strong and well-made w hich indicates it would have cost something to produce - a something which in my opinion would be better used to care for the animals they claim to be trying to protect.
Don't missunderstand me, this is a reputable charity with a good record in animal care and welfare but in my opinion this method of "blackmailing" soft-hearted people into paying what often they cannot really afford is completely unethical.
I have blogged on this subject before but will just confirm that this particular charity will never again receive a penny from me - yes I will be writing to them AGAIN - and as before, the 'free' gift will go to another charity containing really free gifts.
Is it just me?
Oh no, Ray, it's not just you. I have always seen giving to charity as important and do it regularly, but I too hate the biro (to write a cheque?) or the unrequested pack of Christmas cards, to name but two items received within the past year. As you say, it's a form of blackmail, since most people would feel bad about keeping a gift and not donating something. There must be better wasy to solicit donations than this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Perpetua. I forgot to add that the form they enclosed with suggested amounts (four of them) which I might like to donate started with.......£50. !!!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder who they mistake me for?