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Post by Claire on Nov 28, 2011 20:11:21 GMT 1
Packs of charity cards just get more and more ridiculously priced every year. I was looking at one pack which was £6.00 for 10 cards! (Single ones are even worse!) And when you see how much money actually goes to the charities, its shocking. I just buy the cheapest pack of Crimble cards I can find that are half decent (usually 99p for 10 or even 20!) and then make a donation to one of my fav charities with the money I would have spent on the charity cards. That way the charity at least gets a decent portion of money.
Its the same with all the new stuff - Christmas or otherwise - that charity shops sell (sweets, gifts etc), they are far more expensive than you can get in other shops and again the whole price doesn't go to the charity either.
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Post by darkhorse on Nov 28, 2011 22:32:45 GMT 1
That's a good idea. I may do that. The advantage with buying the cards is that some money definitely goes to the charity whereas otherwise people may forget to donate to the charities. Howewver I agree that they are over-priced.
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Post by Claire on Nov 30, 2011 13:47:25 GMT 1
Yeah, I suppose you're right darkhorse. The cards are probably a sop to the conscience of those people who don't bother much with charities and they probably wouldn't get round to donating if they had to do it off their own bat. A little bit of money going to the charities in better than nothing.
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Post by garej on Dec 2, 2011 21:50:58 GMT 1
I am glad you posted about this Claire. I usually post an reminder about this on Jane's website, which I hope you dont mind me copying and pasting. It contains some useful information/general pointers. If people take some notice then that is great ************** As Christmas approaches, so a lot of people use this excuse to buy charity Christmas cards. Unfortunately this does not always benefit the Charities concerned - as some stores vary. Some only give 6%, whereas the more generous only give 50% so I thought I would give a few pointers. Firstly, wherever possible, buy from the charity direct - either through their website or from their charity shop (if they have one in your area). That means that all the money from the cards (minus printing costs) will benefit the charity. Secondly, if that is not possible, go to your local Cards for Good Causes. 75p from every £1 goes to the specific charity. However not all charities are supported by them so if you have a specific charity in mind, it may not be an option. If the one you do want to support is listed by them (and there is not a local charity shop) the upside is no postage fee. More info about Cards For Good Causes and where to find your nearest one can be found here:- www.cardsforcharity.co.ukThirdly, why not consider not giving cheaper Christmas cards and donating the difference to your chosen charity instead? Or if you have lots of family/friends online, then (if suitable, some people still like the traditional card) why not an e-card? Some e-cards can benefit a particular charity too. If you do decide to donate directly, a couple of things. Some charities have a policy that if you want your donation to benefit your local area (for example the Cats Protection) then you must send it to your local branch. Simply sending to Head Office will mean that it will put into a generalised fund which is impossible for local branches to access. If in doubt, get your local branch's address and send them a cheque or pop in yourself. If you do send them a cheque (through the post) please include your name and address. This makes the paperwork easier for them and also many charities send a thankyou note as well. If in the case of animal charities you donate food rather than sending them money (or buying Christmas cards) please ensure that it is of good quality. In the past our branch [of the Cats Protection] has had tons but unfortunately it has not benefited the residents. This is because it is cheap quality stuff which a) is not very good nutritionally and b) will cause stomach upsets because it is not what they are used to. Although more expensive sticking to high quality (in the case of cats, Felix or Whiskers) is more beneficial. If in doubt, again phone them and ask what they feed. Veterinary specific diets are always accepted. Alternatively gifts does not necessarily have to be food (in the case of animal charities) - one year we were desperately short of bedding (old blankets, duvet covers etc). Anything animal related will be accepted. Alternatively carry out a pre Christmas Day clean and give any unwanted goods to their charity shop! Thanks for reading this, and I hope that you can give to a charity this time of year.
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Post by Claire on Dec 3, 2011 3:37:34 GMT 1
Coincidentally after writing this I was reading the Which magazine and they gave exactly the same advice! I think its time more people knew about how little money actually goes to the charities. Also if you get a cheap card from me you'll know I'm not really a cheapskate ;D
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Jane
Stablehand
Posts: 19
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Post by Jane on Dec 7, 2011 18:13:04 GMT 1
As I sent out my Christmas cards I noticed - only because of this thread - that many of them *were* charity ones. I only bought them because I liked them.
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