Should I be suspicious?

Harry

I put all my spare change in the collections tin of an elderly chap who was strategically placed near the door of my local newsagent, I assumed it was for war veterans or cancer sufferers to be honest. However the leaflet he gave me in return was for 'A Non-Profit Making Philanthropic Organisation' - there was no registered charity number or anything. Does anyone know if I am right to be concerned that my donation won't necessarily go towards a good cause? Is the fellow who canvassed for the money allowed to do that if it isn't a proper charity? Can anyone advise please?

ahai1

First of all as I can see he did not break the charity laws by implying it was a charity. I am not sure if it is the local authority or the owner who gives permission so you should tak to them.

As for your money I have no idea.

GiveItBack

Well, anyone can ask for a dnation to anything, so he doesn't seem to have done anything wrong - although you have a right to feel misled.

it mght be that the people letting them into the area (venue manager or council have been misled though)

I'd be really interested to find out more about the 'Non-Profit Making Philanthropic Organisation', please pm me if you happen to have a scanned version of it, so I can take a look.

tbs624

Was this "elderly chap" inside or outside the newsagent? AFAIAA he would need to have a local authority permit to collect in the street, and there are strict rules about boxes being numbered and sealed, and labels carrying the name of the organisation (and charity number where appropriate.) Usually the collectors have to give the Council a Return Form confirming how much was raised and whether any expenses were incurred, within 4 weeks of the collection. If he was inside then ask the shop owner for more information.

Harry

he was inside the shop and unfortunately the leaflet has gone missing (along with everything in this house that gets put down for more than a minute or so).... I didn't see him in there last time I was passing, but if I see him again I'll get another leaflet and share the website link...

ahai1

You can always ask the owner.