To think that all these companies helping Comic Relief are doing it for commercial reasons

[BumgrapesofWrath]

Just that really!

Seems to be a lot of free advertising for TKMaxx (t-shirts), Sainsbury's (red noses), Malteasers etc.

I would be less cynical if it weren't for the fact that they seem to have exclusive deals, e.g. you can only get the t-shirt from TKMaxx. That must be for TKMaxx benefit, as it's not like there is a TKMaxx in every town, so it's reducing the reach of the item.

Am I just a cynic, and these companies really are doing it for the greater good?

Errr, they are raising shedloads of money - who really cares if the reasons behind it are commercial?

Same as Mydelilah - my co. has also operated one of the call centres this evening, staff have put a lot of effort into organising and running it, other local businesses have helped by providing food for the volunteers and a local infant school made decorations. No advertising, just for the love of it.

Why doesn't Sainsbury etc just give to the cause rather than selling crap (red noses)? That way, more money would reach those in need of it and there would be less red plastic crap going to landfill!

I'm not sure it's a tax thing.

Sainsbury's support of Comic Relief is probably subject to VAT because there's a commercial benefit to their involvement. They're not actually making corporate donations are they? Just doing cause related marketing?

It'll be a commercial transaction for Comic Relief as well. They've probably got a trading subsidiary to support VATable sponsorship.

"Why doesn't Sainsbury etc just give to the cause rather than selling crap (red noses)?"

I completely agree fwiw about landfilling plastic crap.

They just don't get as much profile for just giving to the cause. There has to be some kind of payback, they're a business. All about reputation.

Well done to all corporates supporting Comic relief. You are doing a good thing

And as far as Comic Relief is concerned, the fee that they charge to their supermarket partner will be something they negotiate hard on.

sniggers at hard on

God that's juvenile

Yes they are. Good thing too.

Hence the high total. Advertising on BBC prime time. Why the fuck not?