Charity text donation collectors in town! Argh!!!

[Kayano]

I was stopped today by a collector who launched into their speil. I listened an nodded with the intention of donating a few quid by text... Says she 'isn't one of those who wants your bank details' ok great. I like one off donations because I already donate etc...

She ends with
'so will you help by sending a £3 text?'

Yes certainly... whips out phone and opens messages

Just starting to send and she says 'it's a monthly ongoing donation and you can stop by sending....'

To which point I say
'I thought it was a 'three pound text dOnation?' (echoing her words)

Her 'well... Ongoing'

Me. 'that's not what you initially said and I am happy to make a one off donation but not to subscribe automatically'

'well you can't donate once'

'well I can't donate sorry.' and off I flounced. I really felt like she had tried to deliberately deceive me!

AIBU to be pissed?

I read a while ago that securing places in marathons also costs charities money.

So what is the lowest cost and least alienating way for charities to raise money?!

Yes, securing places in marathons does cost charities money... but then the charities absolutely rinse the runners that take those places by making them pay an entry fee and commit to "fundraising pledges" (which are usually a fair few thousand pounds).

Sometimes charities stand to gain more than they lose by using events or things like "Just giving" websites that take a portion of their funds... Wish they would abandon chuggers though!

There. I've cancelled the phone debit and put it on my DD instead. If more of us do this, they should hopefully stop with the disingenuous text-message payments!