Is it the company or me?

[PandaSmells]

One of my children has a chronic illness, and because of such my DC has been nominated for one of these 'make a wish' things by a charity.

We were asked if we were comfortable with the nomination - by the wonderful person who made it (we had nothing to do with the nomination, it was very unexpected) and we had to sign certain forms to agree to it.

We are awaiting the wish, as it is still being processed and could take a while.

My issue is, since having our address for the consent forms, the company in question have written to us three times asking for money (using terribly heart wrenching letters from ill children, or children who have passed), and we have only been known to this company for less than six months.

Now I understand the company in question have to raise funds, and of course we greatly appreciate the work they do (and I would volunteer to fundraise for them). However I feel a bit peeved that they are writing to parents with very ill children - who are probably dealing with highly stressful situations, constantly asking for money and they have made me feel guilty for even using such a service.

Now I know I am hypocritical, but I didn't ask for the wish for one of my DC's - it was a nomination by a member of medical staff. Equally, if the letter contained a 'how to help' section that didn't solely ask for cash I would be more tolerant, and probably contact them with the view to helping.

So AIBU to be a bit angry at this company's constant requests for money?

Disclaimer - I am not critising the company and the amazing work they do - just their fundraising department need to look at the way they operate.

YANBU
we spent 2 (maybe 3) nights in parents accommodation in hospital because dc was in intensive care (ITU stay lasted longer but they wouldn't accommodate us for longer!!) and have since been inundated with requests for money

I hope your dc enjoys the treat!

So whilst having a child with a chronic illness you who is eligible to gain benefit from a charity you are also being asked to give to this charity? seems a bit arse about face if you ask me.

Sounds like they need better software to decide who they send emails/letters out to.

Please don't get me wrong - I have been involved with many charities since my DC was born with this illness - from the charity specifically for the illness and any charity who has helped us over the years (Ronald McDonald et al).

So it's not that I'm against helping the company - even financially. It's just the fact that there have been three requests, in quite a short space of time, when I've had a whole host of problems with my child.

I am not ungrateful to this company - but I feel pressured into giving them money and it would be easier if we just refused this wish.

Sometimes these charitable organisations have a very aggressive fundraising department. I ran the London Marathon a few years ago and raised nearly £2000 for a children's charity. I kept getting constant rquests to bring the total up to to £2000 and it was actually very upsetting as I'd tried so hard to raise £1900

Maybe you could write to them/ phone them and explain that you appreciate their support but cannot help them financially at the moment. Don't feel guilty about it.

YANBU. Surely they of all people should know that families with children with a chronic illness often incur many extra costs.

YANBU

I'm a fundraiser and used to work in a hospice. We tried very hard to ensure that current users of the service were not targeted with fundraising appeals. Sometimes this was difficult and people we wouldn't have wanted to get letters did, but for the most part not.

It is a known fact that users, or beneficiaries of a charity are very likely to support it, but this is no excuse for mailing you 3 times in a short space of time.

Personally, I would contact them to explain this - feedback may help them to think about their strategy.