To think this is a bit CF?

[smartcarnotsosmartdriver]

This could be outing but I am really annoyed.

I work in a big office, started this year. Some other colleagues decided that we needed a "charity". It's not a registered charity but more of a fund, if people need money then they can ask for it. For example someone lost their mum and their team bought flowers using it. I didn't really agree with the idea as there's no real policing of how it's spent. I'm happy to pay in for a collection for something but not for an unknown purpose.

Yesterday an email came out asking everyone to donate for a Santa's grotto. This is going to be on a Saturday in dec and we were asked to donate gifts for children. These are the children of the people who work in the same office. Fairly privileged children who will get Christmas presents! A suggestion was floated that we could collect for a charity instead but as they are a charity it needs to be signed off! I think it's so cheeky to ask for other people to buy gifts for well off families. Am prepared to be told I am a bit of a Scrooge though.

Sorry if I haven't read this correctly but just to be clear - is there going to be a donation charged at the grotto for the gifts? And the proceeds then go to charity? If so then YABU, it's the same as donating for a charity tombola or similar. If the gifts are to be given away free then YANBU.

I would just stay away from donating to be honest. If the individuals who benefit want to also contribute then that is their issue to deal with.

I think it’s weird and grabby. I wouldn’t participate. I’d say something like “I’ve already planned my charitable donations separately, good luck but I won’t be able to join in”.

Then just repeat. “Sorry, I’m not participating”.

I had to do something a bit like this when work colleagues asked me to join their lottery syndicate.

I don’t think it’s grabby. I think you’re over thinking it tbh, and getting too involved with something you claim to have no interest in. Presumably you just say you’d rather not donate?

So you are being asked to donate presents for Co workers children?? Fuck that. We're doing a collection of presents for kids who have nothing.

Treat it like a tea kitty (i.e. voluntary and can do your own thing no questions asked) and keep out of It!

Maybe slyly suggest to manager that some people seem to have way to much time on there hands....

There would be no collection for charity it was just to benefit the kids. I would rather not be involved but they are quite pushy with it.

I would happily buy a small token present and wrap it. Colouring book and crayons for £2-3. Christmas spirit. I don’t know, why havve a negative attitude.
But don’t do it if you don’t want to, fair enough!

I think that’s a bit odd. I volunteer in a foodbank and we’re collecting presents for children, we’d love if a business did a collection for that, but do you need to donate presents for co-workers children?

Definitely grabby. I can't understand how they think they're entitled!