Fundraiser admits to 'unacceptable' tactics in charity donation call
- Replies 22
It can be hard not to succumb to pressure when faced with a plea from a charity organisation. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no if you can’t or don’t want to donate.
A Sydney fundraiser came under fire for allegedly pressuring people into donating to charity. The Fundraising Centre was accused of using automated calls with pre-recorded messages.
According to a 2GB listener, John, he witnessed one such instance when he received a call from the organisation over the weekend.
John recorded parts of the call, which the radio station then aired. The caller asked him to make a one-off donation of $25, but when John said 'no', the caller started asking for a donation of at least $20, which John also declined.
You can listen to the recording here!
Another listener, Josephine, also shared her story, revealing, ‘She was so persistent. She didn't let up, and I felt so guilty afterwards.’ She added: ‘My husband and I are about 70, we're both on a pension, and we just felt so guilty for days.’
In a statement, a Fundraising Centre spokesperson said that the centre had been made aware of a recent call that involved repeated requests for donations and apologised for the 'unacceptable experience'.
'This is not how we operate, and we are reviewing our processes to ensure this isn't repeated,' the spokesperson said.
'We recognise it's important to treat all potential donors with respect, including when they decline to donate. The Fundraising Centre supports many loved and valued Australian charities, and the funds we help raise from generous Australians support a variety of worthy causes.'
If you find yourself in a similar position, you must know how to defuse the situation and let the caller know, in no uncertain terms, that you can't or don't want to donate.
Here are some tips to help you stay confident and take control of the situation:
First, make it clear if you do not wish to donate. Remember, you're under no obligation to give just because someone asks.
Another strategy is to ask the caller for more information. This could be details about the charity, how they use the funds or even their personal identification details. This allows you some time to review and consider the request. Doing this may also test the caller's legitimacy–credible fundraisers will have no issues sharing this information.
When faced with persistent calls, don't be afraid to be assertive. Tell the fundraiser that you do not want to be contacted again. It's your right to request your number to be added to their 'do not call' list.
Lastly, never feel compelled to stay on the line due to politeness or guilt. Donating to charity should be a personal decision, not one induced by pressure or manipulation.
Remember, your kindness should never be taken advantage of. A reputable fundraiser will always respect your choice, whether it's a 'yes' or a 'no'. Stay firm and stay informed.
Have you received a similar call? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
A Sydney fundraiser came under fire for allegedly pressuring people into donating to charity. The Fundraising Centre was accused of using automated calls with pre-recorded messages.
According to a 2GB listener, John, he witnessed one such instance when he received a call from the organisation over the weekend.
John recorded parts of the call, which the radio station then aired. The caller asked him to make a one-off donation of $25, but when John said 'no', the caller started asking for a donation of at least $20, which John also declined.
You can listen to the recording here!
Another listener, Josephine, also shared her story, revealing, ‘She was so persistent. She didn't let up, and I felt so guilty afterwards.’ She added: ‘My husband and I are about 70, we're both on a pension, and we just felt so guilty for days.’
Josephine received the same persistent call asking for a donation. Image source: Freepik.
In a statement, a Fundraising Centre spokesperson said that the centre had been made aware of a recent call that involved repeated requests for donations and apologised for the 'unacceptable experience'.
'This is not how we operate, and we are reviewing our processes to ensure this isn't repeated,' the spokesperson said.
'We recognise it's important to treat all potential donors with respect, including when they decline to donate. The Fundraising Centre supports many loved and valued Australian charities, and the funds we help raise from generous Australians support a variety of worthy causes.'
If you find yourself in a similar position, you must know how to defuse the situation and let the caller know, in no uncertain terms, that you can't or don't want to donate.
Here are some tips to help you stay confident and take control of the situation:
First, make it clear if you do not wish to donate. Remember, you're under no obligation to give just because someone asks.
Another strategy is to ask the caller for more information. This could be details about the charity, how they use the funds or even their personal identification details. This allows you some time to review and consider the request. Doing this may also test the caller's legitimacy–credible fundraisers will have no issues sharing this information.
When faced with persistent calls, don't be afraid to be assertive. Tell the fundraiser that you do not want to be contacted again. It's your right to request your number to be added to their 'do not call' list.
Lastly, never feel compelled to stay on the line due to politeness or guilt. Donating to charity should be a personal decision, not one induced by pressure or manipulation.
Remember, your kindness should never be taken advantage of. A reputable fundraiser will always respect your choice, whether it's a 'yes' or a 'no'. Stay firm and stay informed.
Have you received a similar call? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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