Anyone else think this was unfair?

Question

I was recently asked to donate time by stuffing envelopes to help out the MS society. After agreeing I received a package that instructed me to not only stuff the envelopes, but to ask for donations from a list of ppl they provided, as well as family and friends. And not only was I to collect $150.00, but I was to pay for all postage for the envelopes to potential donators, their postage back, and the postage to send it all to the MS society afterwards. The estimated cost worked out to be over $40.00, above what I am expected to donate. Would you do it? Or would you think (as I do) that this should have all been explained up front, and that an unexpected donation drive I never agreed to is not an obligation?

Answer 1

Sounds like a pyramid scheme.

Answer 2

While I have a grandson that has MS I certainly would not support any charitable organization that was not totally "upfront" about the responsibilities and obligations expected of their volunteers.

Return their materials, donate if you "wish," and go on with your life. You ARE NOT under any obligation to this organization.

Thank you for your initial desire to serve.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear you got ripped off. I have always found things to do to help people. First rule. Do something that doesn't cost money unless I am going to donate it from my personal funds or from funds associated with the orgnaization. I supported the Sept 11th Fund because the admin costs were donated by people supporting the cause. Good luck. Don't let this discourage you.

Answer 4

The Diabetes association does that too but they do explain everything in detail before you agree to do it. Problem I have with charitable donations is that most of the time it doesn't go to the people that really need it. It goes to these big fat cats sitting and managing the money and whom are making mega millions in salary a year.

Answer 5

I think all the expenses you are to be responsible for should be clearly stated up front. I would return the packet and relate to them the reason. I would also investigate any other organization before committing.

This is sad because the reason for this organization is real, but seems to me fund raising needs some overhall in the procedure.

Answer 6

This is totally unfair of them to take advantage of their volunteers like this. It would be enough to volunteer your time, they should have no expectations that you provide any type of monitory contribution.

I've volunteered for a number of organizations over the years, none of them had ever asked me for a monitory donation. The organizations that really appreciate their volunteers will often provide at least a meal for their volunteers, I would have second thoughts about ever donating your time for this organization again.

PS. even when you donate blood, at the very least you get a donut and a cup of juice.

Answer 7

your right you have no obligation to help the m.s. society, but please do not put them down like that I have 2 girls that have m.s. and they need all the help that m.s. can get for trying to find a cure, and don't forget cancer does the same thing and so does the heart as so. so it is not thing different then any other group trying to make money.I read your other answers and totally disagree with most of them, all I have to say as a mother is walk a mile in my shoes or better yet in my daughters shoes.

Answer 8

I would think that this is strictly on a volunteer basis, and you shouldn't have been asked to provide funds for anything!! Your time was good enough. And, yes. It should have been explained up front.

Answer 9

I agree with you 100%.
It's one thing to donate time and quite another to donate cash.
Things should have been explained differently.
Tell MS that they are S.O.L.

Answer 10

Yeah, it does seem unfair, especially since you went beyond what you thought you were supposed to do. The cool part is that at least you did it for a worthy cause.