(non) voluntary donations

Ive just bought some tickets to go to see something at the South Bank...just reading thru the guff, i see this...

Thank you so much for your gift of £3 in support of the £2.3 million project to restore and reinstall the Royal Festival Hall's magnificent 7,866-pipe organ. To learn more please visit www.pulloutallthestops.org.


Ho ho , my pleasure , only i didnt know i was donating £3 for your lovely organ !

Youve got a bit of a cheek , its a bit like pickpocketing someone and then sending them a letter saying "ta ever so for your kind gift of your wallet..i will enjoy spending your money for you "...

also reminds me of going to Latitude on the guest list, it was free, except the non vol contrib of £30 each to their good cause, and they wouldnt budge a £1 - we offered £55 for 2 and it was still "no entry " , pay or go !

[Sir Trev]

Used to get that a lot on hotel bills but as it was work travel I'd have to argue it off. Felt in some way bad but I object to being conned or guilt tripped into charitable giving, especially as I already make good use of gift aid and give-as-you-earn via work payroll.