A policeman once told me that there are so many scams afoot in the land that a senior citizen would be wise not to commit himself to any donations over the telephone. He said donations resulting from mail solicitation should only be given after a check of the money-seeking agency.
A week later I got a phone call.
“Hello, is this Keith? And how are you today?”
I mumbled something about expecting to survive.
“Well, Keith, I’m calling on behalf of the Saskatoon Police Association. We’re seeking funds to help street kids. Can I count on you for a donation?”
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Hmm.
I told him we had adopted a policy of not responding to telephone solicitations.
If he wanted to send me some material in the mail I’d look at it. He seemed a bit surprised that I took this obstinate attitude but finally said he understood and hung up. I suspect he wasn’t a policeman but someone hired to give the pitch on behalf of the association.
Whenever the telephone rings at the supper hour, we expect it is a charitable organization seeking to provide me with another income tax deduction.
It is humbling to think that so many people out there have my best interests at heart. However, they could wait until my mouth is clear of hamburger and brussels sprouts.
If we respond to them all this would mean less to expend on items bearing GST and PST. That would cause some dismay for the federal and provincial governments. After all, someone has to pay the cost of having the Royal Canadian Mounted Police doughtily defend Madame ChrŽtien from assailants in the night.
