Which? Reveals Charity Card Swindle

Most of us like to think we do our bit for those not as fortunate as ourselves. This may be something as small as dropping some change in a rattling tin or as large as making a monthly direct debit donation to charities. Recently there has been a rise in Charity goods which offer to make a donation on your behalf on your purchase. It seems, however, that some companies are skimming too much off the top and not giving enough to charities with these types of products.

The British public may be being misled by the amount they donate when they purchase a charity Christmas card, according to a consumer company. Which? has commented on research by the Charities Advisory Trust which found that between 4 and 50 per cent of the cost of the greeting actually goes to the designated fund.

The average is around 10% which is much less than most people are expecting, most people in the UK (over 80%) think that more than 40 per cent should be donated to good causes.

The retailer and not the charity are picking up the proceeds, commented an editor from Which?

"If you really want to make a difference, buy directly from the charity or its own shops - or if you do buy from another retailer, make sure you check the small print," he said.

Fair Trade campaigners point out that it is far better to buy cards and gifts directly from organisations that ensure the benefits go to producers, and to bypass big stores for local producers and those that put the planet and people before profits.

Although we are familiar with charity shops in the high street many are now offering goods online as well. Many of these websites now give you the chance to use your money to instantly fund one of their projects. If you buy direct you know that your money is going to, where it is most needed and not into a retailer’s coffers.

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