.......a charity collector.
Now, I know that they do raise revenue for good causes. However, today I was trying to get some shoppin done in a wet miserable town center, where all the kids were on half term and everyone was looking very harassed.
There were no less than 6 clip board weilding collectors in the space of 100 yards!
These guys were using ultra-high pressure techniques- even using pincer movements to stalk their quarry! You could hear them piling on the pressure- the people who chose to ignore them were met with cries of "so you dont want to help sick children them madam".
Now I donate to charity as and when I can, I have even been known to do sponsored events myself. However, some of these people can be quite intimidating in their attempts to get you to sign up to a direct debit scheme- especially if you're vunerable to their methods.
When I was approached by mr smiley today (and I had been having a really shitty day btw)I quite calmly just said "save it mate it really wont work". But he carried on with "oh, yes it will, come on, have a chat" at which point I snapped and said "theres a very real chance that I might break your legs" STILL, he continued with "no you wont....." until I eyeballed him, gave him my best "heres Johnny" look and said "trust me, I will"
He chose the sensible option, & walked away........
At this point, I should point out that im a pacifist!
But it got me thinking, am I the only one who is fed up with running the gauntlet & being made to feel guilty every time I need to buy a ruddy courgette!
Anyone have an opinion on the subject?
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Today I got jolly cross with............
It's a bluddy nightmare.
I'm an expert at dodging them now but I did get collared by one (nice looking chap) :twisted: on a Saturday morning when I had a hangover.
Now I do donate to charities and even afterwards thought "there's no harm in donating £5 on month"
Then only 2 months later I get a phone call from the same charity giving me the "poor deprived children" speech and pressuring me to doubler my monthly contribution!!!
Cheaky flucker - unfortunately I've now cancelled my contribution to said charity!
I'm an expert at dodging them now but I did get collared by one (nice looking chap) :twisted: on a Saturday morning when I had a hangover.
Now I do donate to charities and even afterwards thought "there's no harm in donating £5 on month"
Then only 2 months later I get a phone call from the same charity giving me the "poor deprived children" speech and pressuring me to doubler my monthly contribution!!!
Cheaky flucker - unfortunately I've now cancelled my contribution to said charity!
I have to admit I agree with you whilst I do give to charitees and even do a couple of sponserd events a few times a year. I find that when i'm out and about shopping around town also usually with my child (she has to hold my hand I hate shopping ) that they pounce on you from every direction whilst I really don't mind donating to any good causes the shear number of them means I am unable to give a decent amount to everyone and you try explaining to a small child who wants to adopt every dolphin, cat, dog or even saber toothed tiger why I have to pass some of these people by. I do appriciate that they are all doing a worthy task but it does leave me feeling quite guilty when I have to decline. 
) that they pounce on you from every direction whilst I really don't mind donating to any good causes the shear number of them means I am unable to give a decent amount to everyone and you try explaining to a small child who wants to adopt every dolphin, cat, dog or even saber toothed tiger why I have to pass some of these people by. I do appriciate that they are all doing a worthy task but it does leave me feeling quite guilty when I have to decline. 
Sex God
Quote by winchwench
.......a charity collector.
But it got me thinking, am I the only one who is fed up with running the gauntlet & being made to feel guilty every time I need to buy a ruddy courgette!
That is exactly what they hope for . . . that they will make people feel guilty, and then use that guilt get people to sign up for whatever charity it happens to be
When I was approached by similar methods several years ago, I agreed to sign up for it
However, on informing the guy I held a joint account, he said he couldn't accept the Direct Debit form unless both parties signed for it and promptly asked if I could get my husband to pop out in his lunch break to sign it too :? :roll:
These days I simply tell them I don't sign for anything on the street and walk away. Gone are the days when I bothered to explain that we already have more than a handful of direct debits to our favourite charities.
Gone too, the polite refusal and risk getting dragged into a conversation I neither want nor have the time for :roll:
Just walk away and don't feel guilty. The methods they employ, and the people who put them into action are the ones who should feel the guilt
Tracy-Jayne
i give too charities on a regular basic but that is manly coz i do sponsored charity challenges.........so in a way i am the one that is sponsored! 
i have given too charities all my life although small amounts but in the big pool of it all it all adds up too a large sum
a few years a go due too personal reason i did a sponsored charity bike ride across a little part of India for which i had too raise £3000 and since i have done a few more smaller challenges....my mum would go into shock if i said i wanted too do something so big again!
we raised this money due too my mum's hard work and good work challenges and fabulous friends, the money was raised on the basic that give too receive .....garden parties.......indian food nights......BBQ......drinks raffle .......work lotto, etc. to show how our friends are ......my mum and i are always asked what am i doing next! i am knackered!
i do not give to charity collectors with CLIP BOARDS! i walk away and try not too be stopped but if i am then i just say "i sponsor children charities" and if it is a children's charity than i just name one of the one i do things for! i choose who i give too .....as some charities the money does not go where it is needed but too a few fat cats at the top of the charity and the paper chine .....some charity only a small amount of the money goes too the needed and we give the money too go to a good curse
WE all have the right too give or not give without being bullied or put under any pressure
i have given too charities all my life although small amounts but in the big pool of it all it all adds up too a large sum
a few years a go due too personal reason i did a sponsored charity bike ride across a little part of India for which i had too raise £3000 and since i have done a few more smaller challenges....my mum would go into shock if i said i wanted too do something so big again!
we raised this money due too my mum's hard work and good work challenges and fabulous friends, the money was raised on the basic that give too receive .....garden parties.......indian food nights......BBQ......drinks raffle .......work lotto, etc. to show how our friends are ......my mum and i are always asked what am i doing next! i am knackered!
i do not give to charity collectors with CLIP BOARDS! i walk away and try not too be stopped but if i am then i just say "i sponsor children charities" and if it is a children's charity than i just name one of the one i do things for! i choose who i give too .....as some charities the money does not go where it is needed but too a few fat cats at the top of the charity and the paper chine .....some charity only a small amount of the money goes too the needed and we give the money too go to a good curse
WE all have the right too give or not give without being bullied or put under any pressure
I tend to avoid even the "tin shakers" depending on whatever charity they come from. The collecters described should have been reported to the local authorities for their technique as I believe it could be bordering on illegal.
At least I am satisfied that all the money me and my work mates raise goes directly to the cause without much going on admin.
At least I am satisfied that all the money me and my work mates raise goes directly to the cause without much going on admin.
Here's a tip I got given a very long time ago.
You can't support everything.
Decide which charity you want to support and give to it everytime you see them
collecting.
That way you don't feel guilty about turning down the one's you don't support.
:wink:
Btw,
I always give to The Royal British Legion and cancer care.
You can't support everything.
Decide which charity you want to support and give to it everytime you see them
collecting.
That way you don't feel guilty about turning down the one's you don't support.
:wink: Btw,
I always give to The Royal British Legion and cancer care.
bumpkin, if charity collector shakes a tin at you they have commited a offence, their not allowed to do that anymore.
i have found the thing to do if harrassed by the clip board collectors, is to stop and ask them their name and number( not phone number) and then when they ask why explain you will be reporting their actions.
failing that if they are collecting for a childrens charity i tell them i have to they can have preferably on a sat night so i can go out lol
xxxxx lou xxxx
i have found the thing to do if harrassed by the clip board collectors, is to stop and ask them their name and number( not phone number) and then when they ask why explain you will be reporting their actions.
failing that if they are collecting for a childrens charity i tell them i have to they can have preferably on a sat night so i can go out lol
xxxxx lou xxxx
Warming the Bed
This has given me the cracking idea of doing a sponsered shag-a-thon. I'll need about 100 woman and i will personally donate a shiny pound coin per woman to any charity anyone likes especially. This event will be held round my house tomorrow night. Sign up via PM asap. come on girls, its for charadeeeee!!
Sex God
I once rang up for a job in the paper that turned out to be collecting (tin shaking) for charity and they told me I would be in places like the entrance to large superstores. Here is the best bit do you want to know how they paid you? ... 49% of what you collected was what you took home, so I never put money in tins anymore. I also have a slight issue with giving to cancer charaties as I know lots of new drugs get researched but half the time the helath authority then says it cant afford it.
Mr Tweeky
Mr Tweeky
So its not just me then!
Im glad to hear im not just being over-sensitive.....and amazed to hear the cut some of the collectors get!
Its so frustrating as it undermines the reputations of the charities involved, and makes people less likely if anything to give to them long term!
Given the cut some of these people make, I would like to see them have to state at the start of each "conversation" ....."hi I work for save the courgette and I make 49% comission...."
I'll have to look into if there are guidelines governing their actions, as today was just overkill!
BTW, im not a completely heartless cow.....two years ago I had cervical cancer and I know that the reason im (hopefully!) fit & well now is partly down to the money raised by charity for research.
And i've just started training for my second 5k, for my own fitness and to raise funds for a local hospice.
It might also help me outrun people with clipboards........
Actually, Ive just had a brilliant idea! Nick one of the "bibs" they wear, get a clipboard and weild them next time you go shopping on a saturday, or xmas eve.......imagine how fast people will scarper, and youll have the place to yourself! :twisted:
Im glad to hear im not just being over-sensitive.....and amazed to hear the cut some of the collectors get!
Its so frustrating as it undermines the reputations of the charities involved, and makes people less likely if anything to give to them long term!
Given the cut some of these people make, I would like to see them have to state at the start of each "conversation" ....."hi I work for save the courgette and I make 49% comission...."
I'll have to look into if there are guidelines governing their actions, as today was just overkill!
BTW, im not a completely heartless cow.....two years ago I had cervical cancer and I know that the reason im (hopefully!) fit & well now is partly down to the money raised by charity for research.
And i've just started training for my second 5k, for my own fitness and to raise funds for a local hospice.
It might also help me outrun people with clipboards........
Actually, Ive just had a brilliant idea! Nick one of the "bibs" they wear, get a clipboard and weild them next time you go shopping on a saturday, or xmas eve.......imagine how fast people will scarper, and youll have the place to yourself! :twisted:
Warming the Bed
Quote by tweeky
I once rang up for a job in the paper that turned out to be collecting (tin shaking) for charity and they told me I would be in places like the entrance to large superstores. Here is the best bit do you want to know how they paid you? ... 49% of what you collected was what you took home, so I never put money in tins anymore. I also have a slight issue with giving to cancer charaties as I know lots of new drugs get researched but half the time the helath authority then says it cant afford it.
Mr Tweeky
the absolute worse offenders are the charity rose sellers in pubs. I know a girl who drovethese people around, she got paid, the people in the pubs got paid, their boss got paid and about 3p out each pund was then put into a "trust fund" for the charities. Makes me sick especially as i'd been daft enough to empty my wallet out for them one night just after my mum got diagnosed with cancer. If you see anyone selling roses in pubs do the world a favour and thump them for me please. Or at least trip them over..
Warming the Bed
Adding my ha'pennyworth
<rant>
Most (large) charities sub-contract the signing-up new donaters now - and up to the first 2 years (YES TWO YEARS worth) of contributions go to these agencies.
Most large charities are now run as profitable businesses with a full complement of staff - in some cases a hefty chunk of your donation goes in, ahem, admin charges. And don't forget that just because they say it's run as a not for profit organisation - an awful lot of your cash can, and does, end up in salary costs ("Well sir, we have to pay the CEO £250Kpa, it's the going rate!").
I have in the past signed up to a couple of the £2 per month schemes as I considered that the cost of a pint per month to help was OK....BUT every single one waited a couple of months then asked to increase the donation. Needless to say I now only give to small charities when I know it's all going to the intended recipient.
</rant>
Dave
PS: Just thinking about how sad it is that we no longer trust even charities to be fair
<rant>
Most (large) charities sub-contract the signing-up new donaters now - and up to the first 2 years (YES TWO YEARS worth) of contributions go to these agencies.
Most large charities are now run as profitable businesses with a full complement of staff - in some cases a hefty chunk of your donation goes in, ahem, admin charges. And don't forget that just because they say it's run as a not for profit organisation - an awful lot of your cash can, and does, end up in salary costs ("Well sir, we have to pay the CEO £250Kpa, it's the going rate!").
I have in the past signed up to a couple of the £2 per month schemes as I considered that the cost of a pint per month to help was OK....BUT every single one waited a couple of months then asked to increase the donation. Needless to say I now only give to small charities when I know it's all going to the intended recipient.
</rant>
Dave
PS: Just thinking about how sad it is that we no longer trust even charities to be fair
My local own centre is also a haven for the collectors, but worse, the market reseach people! They line up across the street every day and accost me on a regular basis. A polite "I'm trying to give them up" usually elicits a smile and they melt away.
One great way to get rid of them and have a bit of fun at the same time is the following. The first time I tried this was in Oxford Street when I was approached quite vigourously by a charity clip-boarder. I spotted him in time and speeded up my walking, looking over my shoulder as I approached him. As we met he started his spiel but I cut into it with "Sorry mate, but I think I'm being followed by a guy in a red leather jacket", quickly looking over my shoulder again. Then I piped up with "Shit there he is" then started marching quickly on. I glanced around after a few paces and the collector was rooted to the spot frantically trying to look for a some guy wearing a red jacket. Works every time!
One great way to get rid of them and have a bit of fun at the same time is the following. The first time I tried this was in Oxford Street when I was approached quite vigourously by a charity clip-boarder. I spotted him in time and speeded up my walking, looking over my shoulder as I approached him. As we met he started his spiel but I cut into it with "Sorry mate, but I think I'm being followed by a guy in a red leather jacket", quickly looking over my shoulder again. Then I piped up with "Shit there he is" then started marching quickly on. I glanced around after a few paces and the collector was rooted to the spot frantically trying to look for a some guy wearing a red jacket. Works every time!
Sex God
totally agree with you on this one
they arnt allowed to shake tins anymore
If im approached by a clipboard bearer. I simply say Im sorry I have my own Charitties to which I donate
If they persist I say
Ive got PMT and ive not had a cigarette for 4 hours, Im a woman on the edge, you sure you really want to carry on this conversation ? (and glare while you say it)
they soon back off
they arnt allowed to shake tins anymore
If im approached by a clipboard bearer. I simply say Im sorry I have my own Charitties to which I donate
If they persist I say
Ive got PMT and ive not had a cigarette for 4 hours, Im a woman on the edge, you sure you really want to carry on this conversation ? (and glare while you say it)
they soon back off
Quote by winchwench
"so you dont want to help sick children them madam"
sorry but my reply to that would be, no and seeing as your getting paid to stand there neither do you!
I'm sorry but how can anyone who's earning a living out of charitys call anyone else, they not stood there thro the good of their heart they get paid around 60% of what they collect which is why they are so pushy, the more you give the more they get
I used to help a local charity for over 2 years and I was gobsmacked at their attitude to money management and cost cutting.
Because they just ask for a grant or a donnation and either get it or dont, they had no concept of the value for money, if they had the money they would just blow the lot and and think , if we need any more will just ask someone else.
Because they just ask for a grant or a donnation and either get it or dont, they had no concept of the value for money, if they had the money they would just blow the lot and and think , if we need any more will just ask someone else.
Quote by exxxiled33
This has given me the cracking idea of doing a sponsered shag-a-thon. I'll need about 100 woman and i will personally donate a shiny pound coin per woman to any charity anyone likes especially. This event will be held round my house tomorrow night. Sign up via PM asap. come on girls, its for charadeeeee!!
Is this payment party not an infringement on AUP rules
Three charities get my attention ....
Out of the tin wavers? the Poppy Appeal, always gets my hard earned, it comes but once a year, goes where needed and we should be forever grateful that we have the freedom to contribute to it, thanks to the sacrifices of those it supports. (and the collector is easily verified if in any doubt).
Others? Well Cancer Research, annual DD cos they do a lot of work and for one reason or another I have cause to be thankful. But I would never put in a tin.
Final one? Work connected, bit like the Poppy Appeal but more focused and I used to pay a days pay into it each year and just kept going when I left.
Never trust a street collector, these days there’s just too many crooks….. shame I know and pretty tough on the genuine collectors out there, but until the punishment matches the crime the low life will always try it on…. :twisted:
Out of the tin wavers? the Poppy Appeal, always gets my hard earned, it comes but once a year, goes where needed and we should be forever grateful that we have the freedom to contribute to it, thanks to the sacrifices of those it supports. (and the collector is easily verified if in any doubt).
Others? Well Cancer Research, annual DD cos they do a lot of work and for one reason or another I have cause to be thankful. But I would never put in a tin.
Final one? Work connected, bit like the Poppy Appeal but more focused and I used to pay a days pay into it each year and just kept going when I left.
Never trust a street collector, these days there’s just too many crooks….. shame I know and pretty tough on the genuine collectors out there, but until the punishment matches the crime the low life will always try it on…. :twisted:
Quote by letzplaytoo
Three charities get my attention ....
Out of the tin wavers? the Poppy Appeal, always gets my hard earned, it comes but once a year, goes where needed and we should be forever grateful that we have the freedom to contribute to it, thanks to the sacrifices of those it supports. (and the collector is easily verified if in any doubt).
Others? Well Cancer Research, annual DD cos they do a lot of work and for one reason or another I have cause to be thankful. But I would never put in a tin.
Final one? Work connected, bit like the Poppy Appeal but more focused and I used to pay a days pay into it each year and just kept going when I left.
Never trust a street collector, these days there’s just too many crooks….. shame I know and pretty tough on the genuine collectors out there, but until the punishment matches the crime the low life will always try it on…. :twisted:
A "beware" to you all out there notice.
One of the charities mentioned above (no names but its not the office or Poppy appeal) has got into the habit of sending requests to people who have set up DD's requesting an increase in contributions.
Now, theres nothing wrong with that in itself, its just that some"helpful" charities are filling in the DD mandates with the name & address of your bank, your account number and sort code instaed of leaving them blank.
When I rang to complain that in this day and age of identity fraud, why don't they go the whole hog and just sign my name and take the money without asking!
I was told that this is now a common place practice amoung certain charities
I tried to point out that many people just bin the mail but to no avail
Beware, always shred
Harry x
