Comments on: Can we evade the good cause pressgangs?

By: Jon Siegel

Jon Siegel — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:15:27 +0000

There is a terrific alternative that protects your privacy and that of your gift recipient. Please check out TisBest Philanthropy (http://www.TisBest.org), the No. 1 charity gift card (according to TheStreet.com). You purchase the gift card from TisBest. The recipient of the card directs the funds to the charity of their choice. You receive the tax deduction, the recipient receives the pleasure of choosing the charity and knowing your gift goes to a cause important to him. But the charity receives the money, not the private information you discuss in your posting. We believe people want to be private, and that when they want to reveal themselves to a favorite cause, they will do so. The charities on our list appreciate the fact that they’ll be seen by the thousands of people who receive the gift cards. But they are not provided with the contact information of either the gift purchaser or the recipient. Period.
Jon Siegel
Executive Director
TisBest Philanthropy

By: Miraz

Miraz — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:09:19 +0000

Thanks for the reminder Violet.

In fact I did switch to a gift from Heifer. I’ve sent (and received) Heifer gifts before and really like what they do.

By: Violet

Violet — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:44:48 +0000

I can appreciate your dilemma though I’ve found in the US that they always ask for a phone number as well as adddress in connection with my credit card. IIRC, the Paypal option doesn’t usually ask though.

But enough of that, the reason that I’m adding a comment is to suggest that Heifer International does the same thing as Oxfam. Buy a llama, a goat or a cow, or a knitting basket, etc. We’ve donated to them for the last several years and they’re very unobtrusive.

Happy holidays!

http://www.heifer.org/

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:17:44 +0000

This is a fact of life these days. Once they get your personal information, they can use it however it states in the “fine print.” Or however they like if they fail to provide fine print.

I’m still outraged because I posted a comment on another blog and the blogger harvested my e-mail address and sent me spam.

Here in the U.S., we have the “Do Not Call Registry” where you can register your phone number as one that does not want to receive marketing calls. Telemarketers are SUPPOSED to check the list before they make calls. But checking the list costs money and most people don’t bother to complain if they’re called, so few companies check the list.

My husband and I like to play games with telemarketers. My favorite: “Yes, I’m very interested in this. Hold on for a minute while I get on another phone.” I then put the phone down and go about my business while they listen patiently to the ambient noise until they finally get the hint and hang up.