I think the whole idea is wrong.
The moment as I stepped out of my employer-provided shuttle bus onto the pavement that leaded to the Bishan MRT station, I noticed there was a group of I perceived as “financial advisers” hanging around outside the “Citibank” outlet of the station's premises.
It was only after I finished sending my text message to an acquaintance that I realized this group of “advisers” were actually a group of donation solicitors for a charitable foundation, when one of them – a petite lady came forward and approached me.
“I'm sorry to interrupt you for a while, but we are not selling anything.” said the slim young lady as she made her brief introduction to me.
“We are actually here to seek donation for XXX (a charity organization).”she added as she handed over a slightly worn-out laminated placard that detailed the facts, figures and other relevant stuff of the organization she works for.
Two interesting features that stood out on the placard that read something like this (if I remember correctly) –
- We DON'T ACCEPT CASH DONATIONS
- and above this eye-catching statement depicted three boxes which detailed the monthly figures that required each potential donor to commit after they select one of these options.
Of course, the carrot of the “deal” is all donation made is tax-deductible.
Having listened to what she said, I replied, “I'm actually not prepared to commit myself every month for a certain amount to donate, but I don't mind making a ONE-OFF donation.”“But it's TAX DEDUCTIBLE, and you pay income tax right?” she harped on.
“Actually, I don't ...” I was telling a white lie as I find it unacceptable for any charitable organization to solicit donations on such “hard-selling” tactic.
I always believe making any kind of donation should be out of own will and such “hard-selling” tactic should be discouraged.
No doubt that fact is some less-privileged groups are seriously lacked of funds to maintain the operating of their organizations, but would they ever feel good if they realized that some of the funds they collected are from this method?
(P.S: anyway, out of goodwill I reminded that lady, "it's getting late...")
Pohui,
ReplyDeleteI think the whole idea is wrong... that you write about an experience in Bishan and post it alongside pictures of Toa Payoh!!!
Hi Philip...
ReplyDeleteYou got it wrong too... the pictures were taken at Ang Mo Kio Central.
Anyway, those pictures that put up were not in anyway related to the content, but just to add "some colours" to the entry...
Hehehe
Same people seen around Tanjong Pagar too but no photos to show. Was thinking of using pics of Outram Park instead to protect the innocent :-))) (Will not be tax deductable in my case anyway!) Feel sorry for these people having to do such work to make a living....
ReplyDeleteWell, it's tough either way. If these organizations don't resort to such tactics, they get less money. Sure, you piss off some people when you do such things, but I think ultimately hard-selling will yield more, as some people will be convinced and sign up.
ReplyDeleteStill, it does get on my nerves too. The ones I really don't like are the ones that will just follow you and keep talking even though you're walking off to somewhere else.