That Time of Year

[dirtdog]

It's that time of year when you are have just completed your purchase at cash when you are invited to contribute to the store's favourite charity. I get it - you have just spent a few bucks or a bundle on something that may or may not be a necessity and what's another couple of bucks for a very worth cause? I presume the store gives itself a pat on the back for 'its' generosity. I've asked if the store matches its customers' contributions and have yet to find one that does so. If they want to contribute their profits to a particular charity (just as we contribute portions of our personal incomes or volunteer our time) they are more than welcome. If they want to post a sign at cash inviting me to contribute to their choice of charity, that's even OK. If they would tell me that they would give the names of the people who contributed to the charity, (because they haven't) that would be fair. But to take credit because you simply had your cashiers ask folks to donate to your choice of charity - not cool.

[pippinelkhound]

Totally agree. I hate being asked to support "insert charity of the moment" when I shop.

I decline. I make my donations and get a tax receipt.

[wolfwoman]

I really hate when they do this. It puts a person on the spot and I have received " that look" when I say no like I am a bad person. And I have never had a store asking for an animal charity which is my charity of choice. I always give a substantial amount to the ASPCA at Yule instead.

[CrazyQT]

It doesn't bother me as long as the charity is a reputable one. I give my change whenever I can.

[Lynn49]

Oh, that burns my butt! And just who gets the accolades and big tax credit for OUR generosity?!
Nice gimmick they've got going.....
I decide when and to which organization I make my donations!

[terry2144]

I agree. I give to the sa kettles every time I enter a store....because I want to. I also feel bad for the cashiers. With coupons and pming they are busy enough. I have issues with this at work too. If I want to donate to a cause I will donate to what I value, not someone else's choice. I am not a scrooge. I have A tight budget but know there are many less fortunate.

[Crochetlady]

I always used to donate out of guilt. Now I just smile and say not today.

[walkonby]

I decline always with No guilt. THEY should feel guilty asking customers in the first place.

[amira84]

I always used to donate out of guilt. Now I just smile and say not today.

That's exactly what i say.... "Not today".

[Darth Penguin]

I prefer to give non monitry donations such as food, clothes or other material needs and somtimes my time as well. I only give money to 2 charities..one local and the Poppy apeal.

[Midnightly]

oh i hate this.. and they try and guilt you into it...

once.. i had the cashier ask me i said no thanks AND THEN they charged me for it.. and gave me a "oh sorry i thought you said yes" then gave me the "really lady?" when i told them to refund it... the cashier was probably doing that most the day and your average customer wouldn't catch it or just shrug it off.. i wouldn't be surprised if they get a bonus for hitting a specific goal

[SassyAshley]

I find it very convenient that they do this time of year when most people make many trips to the same store (ie Wal-Mart last year, in 3 days I went in to various Wal-Marts 5 times) and every time you get asked to do donate and they give you a hard time when you say no. I hate the fact they guilt you not to mention part of me wonders if there is not some sort of kick back or reward so to say for the person who collects the most donations because some of them are super aggressive and treat you like you are personally hurting them by not donating.

I will admit here or there I will make a donation but just because I have had to run into Wal-Mart 5 times I am not going to donate every time, not to mention after seeing many reports on charities (thank you W5 and various other shows) I am now somewhat picky on what charities I want to support. I am sorry but I take issue with Charities that are all over you for donation but only $0.05 out of every $1 makes it to those in need and the rest goes to fund the Charities operating costs???????????????????

[Springbreeze]

Usually there is a competition between the stores in the same chains, whoever raises the most gets lunch for all the employees or a gift card to the store, just some examples

[toban]

I prefer donating to charities of my choice If I get asked at the cash register I politely say "No thank you". I dislike when the cashier acts sour or uptight because you didn't donate.

[Ciel]

http://www.thestar.com/business/pers...s_roseman.html

Glad I could find the recent article that discussed this very issue. LCBO does not get tax donation credit for any charity boxes in its stores. There is mention of an online way to donate to causes of interest and you get a tax receipt.

When Loblaws started charging for plastic bags in all stores (around the time Toronto made plastic bag fees mandatory), the bag fees were donated to WWF. I'd look up their annual reports to see if there is a notation about donations to charities.