Charity volunteers in Costa

[labamba007]

I was in Costa with my DS the other day when four men came in with buckets. One came up to me and explained they were raising money for veterans. I said I had no cash so he pulled out a card machine. I explained that I have charities I give to personally and I couldn't spare anymore. He looked pissed off. I was one of very few who didn't give anything.

AIBU to think that this isn't right. People should be able to have coffee in peace? Or am I being a misery. It didn't help that my four year old scowled at them, maybe copying my face 😂

If there were four men collecting together and they just said “it’s for veterans” - and were approaching people in Costa - I’d be suspecting they weren’t actually charity volunteers at all, tbh

There are very strict rules about chugging. They can only approach people sitting down in a private venue if the venue has agreed. Were they doing this within sight of the staff?

It did cross my mind but as they had the card machine I wasn't sure!

Yes staff could see it happening. I suppose it's no different to those that offer to pack your shopping but felt more intrusive.

It's different in that it's against fundraising regulations. Worth bringing it to the notice of Costa head office, as I'd be surprised if they didn't have a policy of not allowing chuggers to approach their customers.

It sounds dodgy but I am now v confident in telling chuggers either just no, or that I give to other charities (I do and more so give a lot of my time).

I hate the attitude of some of them when you get a dirty look after you’ve said it, that’s when you know they’re just a sales person dressed up in a charity badge.