You won't believe what this Melbourne real estate agency asked a renter to do – Public fury ensues!

In a move that has left many shaking their heads in disbelief, a Melbourne real estate agency, Woodards Croydon, has sparked a wave of outrage after making a request that many are calling 'tone deaf'. In an email that has since gone viral, the agency asked a renter to donate their government-issued $300 energy rebate to a fundraiser for homelessness.


Now, we at the Seniors Discount Club understand the importance of giving back to the community, especially to support those less fortunate. Charitable acts are a cornerstone of a compassionate society, and many of our members are active volunteers and donors to various causes. However, the approach taken by Woodards Croydon has raised eyebrows and ire across the board.


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A Melbourne real estate agency faced criticism for asking tenants to donate their $300 energy rebate to a homeless fundraiser. Credit: Andrew Clark - Woodards Croydon / Facebook


The controversial email was sent to tenants as part of the agency's participation in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and funds to support people experiencing homelessness. While the cause is undoubtedly noble, the method of solicitation has been widely criticized.


The email highlighted the $300 energy rebate, part of the Federal Budget's cost-of-living relief measures, as potential funds for donation. It's important to note that this rebate is not a cash handout but a quarterly discount on energy bills, paid directly to the provider. The intention behind the rebate is to ease the financial burden on households amid rising living costs, not to serve as a donation pool.

The tenant who received the email took to social media to express their frustration, pointing out the irony of asking renters – who are often just a paycheck away from housing insecurity themselves – to donate money intended to help them keep the lights on. The sentiment was echoed by many, who felt that the request was not only tone-deaf but also indicative of a larger issue within the housing market.

Woodards CEO Nigel O'Neil defended the agency's actions, citing a long history of charitable work and fundraising. He explained that the agency has raised significant funds for homelessness services over the years and that a portion of their sales and leasing fees is donated to their foundation, which supports vulnerable Victorians.


However, the question remains: why target tenants, many of whom are already struggling with the high cost of living and housing affordability crisis? The backlash has been swift, with commenters suggesting that the agency should have directed their fundraising efforts towards landlords or even taken a cut from their own profits to make a donation.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of fundraising and the responsibilities of businesses when engaging with their clients for charitable causes. It also highlights the delicate balance between encouraging philanthropy and respecting the financial circumstances of individuals, particularly in a climate where many are facing economic hardship.

For our senior members, who often live on fixed incomes and are acutely aware of the importance of every dollar, this story serves as a reminder to be judicious about where and how we choose to donate. It's also a call to businesses and organizations to consider the optics and implications of their fundraising strategies.


Key Takeaways

  • A Melbourne real estate agency, Woodards Croydon, faced backlash after asking tenants to donate their $300 energy rebate to a fundraiser for the homeless.
  • The tenants received an email emphasising the opportunity to 'pay it forward' by donating their rebate to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
  • The agent's message was criticised as 'tone deaf' and 'a slap in the face', given the context of high housing unaffordability.
  • Woodards CEO defended the agency's charitable history and the broad request for donations, stating that everyone deserves fundamental needs like shelter and food.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this situation. Have you ever been asked to donate in a way that felt inappropriate or insensitive? How do you decide which causes to support, and what advice would you give to organizations seeking donations? Let's have a conversation about the ethics of giving and the ways we can all contribute to a more understanding and supportive community.
 
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Great idea but it wont happen as most people could never give away that kind of money.
 
About time those of us on a reasonable income accepted that our much-vaunted tax-cuts help render people homeless as such tax-cuts stymie the urgently needed construction of public housing. Maybe our politicians of whatever brand would care to donate their cuts to their tax-bill towards said objective as an example to the rest of us. Likewise assorted City and Town Councillors and their honoraria; last time I researched the honorarium paid by ratepayers to the Mayor of Melbourne City it was approximately $250 000 pa per year.
 
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Perhaps it would be a better idea if the Real Estate Agency donated a percentage of all commissions to the homeless.
Renting today is a nightmare for so many people who are considered Mr/Mrs average. Real Estate agencies on the other hand, most likely don't have such concerns.
 
Australia needs to get cracking to build 200 000 3BR 120sqm public housing units per year for the next 5-10 years. It is that simple. Whether stand-alone houses, terrace houses or flats/units or whatever. It's been done before in Europe; the designs would be available, although tower blocks are not desirable.

Do we have a National Housing Commission? Of curse not! But we have a Tasanian (mis)government AFL Stadium Commisssion in Hobart!
 
Wrong wrong, how dare anyone put that on anyone. I am a great believer in if you wish to donate to charity, you choose who you wish to donate your hard earned money. My husband and l are low income earners. I give to Ifaw monthly and when l can l give a small amount to PETA and the Lost Dogs Home. No body should be asked to give to charities, as the person asking has no idea of the persons financial situation and can be made to feel inadequate. This business should not be asking this of their clients.
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
The 'CEO Nigel O'Neil defended........ a portion of their sales & leasing fees is donated to their foundation.....' Perhaps, if they took a smaller slice of those fees they could donate more to 'their foundation' & stop hassling needy tenants, some of who are struggling to pay their rent.
 
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Most people working in real estate are bottom dwelling scum suckers. Especially property managers who I have dealt with extensively on both sides of the fence. Absolute rotten swine through and through.
 
Most people working in real estate are bottom dwelling scum suckers. Especially property managers who I have dealt with extensively on both sides of the fence. Absolute rotten swine through and through.
No, not all, are bottom dwellers.
 
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I did maintenance for a R.E. AGENT who gave all R.E. AGENTS a bad name. His antics caused him to lose his licence in the end. Tenants told me he was unreasonable & despised him.

Staff who worked for him did as they were told of course but once they left & found a new job in the same area conducted themselves differently (with some compassion).
 

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