How do i avoid office whip rounds?

Question

I am really struggling for money at the moment, after buying a house and Christmas, etc.
Office whip rounds seem to be never ending at the moment.... a £5 for someone who just had a baby, £5 for someone who off sick, £40 for someone who is retiring.... and various other charity runs, walks, etc that need sponsorship.

How do i tell my colleagues i cannot afford this constant barrage for money? Im not tight, but it is getting ridiculous!
Whats the etiquette to say no without seeming rude?

Answer 1

Try suggesting to the management that they make it policy to use the "letterbox" idea; we do, I stopped the constant whip-rounds that seemed to be happening and now a box is placed in the canteen so anyone who wishes to contriibute can do so.

The general consensus is that everyone's more comfortable with this, as no-one knows how much anyone puts in, or even if they do.

Answer 2

I suggest instead of waiting for the dreaded whip round and then trying to explain nip it in the bud and tell some of your colleges near to you how much you are struggling at the moment and that you are dreading the whip rounds. That way they will either by pass you or not raise an eye brow when you only pop some change in. Attack is the best form of defence and all that. We all get in this position sometimes and most people will understand if you are just up front and honest about it. Best of luck with the new house!

Answer 3

Only give if you work closely with the person -not if it's someone who works at the other end of the building and who you only see once a month, briefly, in the parking lot. For charity runs you can always say you've already donated to a family member or a collecter who came door to door or online when you saw the banner or whatever.

Answer 4

Actually the ones who are rude are the ones putting you on the spot to donate to these various causes. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Approach your supervisor or management and request that a policy be instituted that any causes be written and posted on a bulletin board or circulated by e-mail with instructions as to how one may donate if one wishes. No one is to solicit funds on company time.
2) Post your own sign prominently on your desk or in your work area that says: Until further notice I am unable to donate for babies, sick people, retiring people, or any charities. However, if you would like to donate something to the Get Me Out of Debt cause, I will cheerfully accept it.
3)Look shocked say "Does management know you are doing this?" When they ask for an explanation, just say "Please I really need my job! I'll just pass. That way if anyone ask, I can honestly say I had nothing to do with it!"
4) Look them straight in the eye and say "No"

Answer 5

Pull out a wad of 1's from your underwear and explain that you started exotic dancing on the side because money is tight and you have to dig into your tips. I doubt they will ask again, or possibly refuse your dontation to the cause. If you don;t have a stripper body, tell them you perform for some type of alternative interest such as people who like to dress up like babies. The crazier, the better. Best of luck mate!

Answer 6

Suggest that these office whip rounds are anonymous, that a box with an letterbox slot is open for say, a couple of lunchtimes and no one else has to know who put what in, nor how much. The person concerned sometimes puts money in themselves!

Answer 7

Offer to do the whip round yourself, in fact be the one to suggest it, then collect only from the others and put in the most you can afford! Failing that, speak up because you will not be the only one, some will think you're mean but if you cannot afford it, don't do it!

Answer 8

You know, if it's for someone sick, new baby, etc.- tell them you will do your own thing. Send a nice note to the person instead and wish them well. As far as charity donations- they are donations- you don't owe these people or the organizations anything- just say, "no thank you" or "I'll think about it and get back to you later"

Answer 9

I would just say, "I'm so sorry, but I'm not able to contribute anything right now, because I just paid the rent, or a big bill, or made my car payment, made my insurance payment, etc. If they keep on after that - then just same - "I absolutely can't at this time." However - don't sign the card or pretend you went in on the present - that is bad form.

Answer 10

Be the first to volunteer to organise the whip round, that way only you know who has and hasn't contributed.

£40 a head for a retirement! Its not the right way to organise a pension fund.