RNLI - getting greedy?

[willk]

I signed up a few years back to bung the RNLI a few quid every month. I'm a big fan of what they do and I have a few buddies on the team. When I say a few quid, I mean only €15 a month, so not much, but more than Joe Average puts in their buckets on the street...

In return I got a warm fuzzy feeling and a lot of wastepaper in the post.

And then, a few months ago, I got a letter saying that while they knew I was a regular donor, it would be nice/better/more useful if I gave a bit more..., say €20?

I was quite taken aback, so much so that I binned the letter. I've been thinking about it though. I very nearly cancelled the standing order. I was reluctant to mention it here until I calmed down. I think I'm still a bit angry.

Maybe they should reduce the amount of fairly pointless stuff they pay to print and post to me and just spend the money on kit?

Maybe there should be a membership option for this. The "Take the Money and Don't Waste it or Pester Me" annual membership.

Yes, I AM still grumpy. I should have waited another threee months

[mister p]

Fair point.

[Nasher]

I actually complained at the main RNLI stand at the Southampton Show last year on our way out, as I'd been hassled at every turn by Reps asking if we were members, and as a member I felt within my rights to complain.

At the London show today they were far less active, but we were hassled instead by a pushy prat from the RSPB who wouldn't take no for an answer.

Nasher.

[Max...]

Originally Posted by willk

I signed up a few years back to bung the RNLI a few quid every month. I'm a big fan of what they do and I have a few buddies on the team. When I say a few quid, I mean only €15 a month.....

And then, a few months ago, I got a letter saying that while they knew I was a regular donor, it would be nice/better/more useful if I gave a bit more..., say €20?

When I read the title of the topic - I thought: "Hello....?!?" but then seeing the above I fully take your point - they are shooting themselves in the foot with the cheek of a question like that. I have a regular thing with St Dunstans charity who as above send a lot of bumpf but never such a direct question as to imply 'don't be mean, up your sub a bit matey'.

[jambo]

Totally agree with you R!! I too give £150 a year to them for the same reasons as yourself, plus I live in a town that has a lifeboat, I am a user of the sea and I do support their work. I am also pestered with the inane drivel which continually comes thru my letterbox and yes there is the annual one asking for MORE!!
So come on we will start a move to get them to rethink their strategy
J

[C2 RIBS]

Don't think it is just RNLI , the charities all employ a large number of people to gain funding. One of the worst areas has been where a will is left to give money to given charities .
We ended up with a three year battle with two very aggressive charities some years ago when we administered a will. The money pledged was not at the sum expected due to Market forces and two charities took us to court to gain the full amount.
Luckily they lost but the costs came out of the will and the two charities got much less than we offered as a settlement.
Very aggressive managers at the top of many charities but still I have gifted the RNLI some

[willk]

Originally Posted by Nasher

but we were hassled instead by a pushy prat from the RSPB who wouldn't take no for an answer.

You should've flipped him the Bird...

[AMac]

Have been talking about charity with some friends and have Just been told that the rnli is the richest charity in the uk?
Now these guys do a great job when called upon but harassing people for donations is out of order

[maxhar]

I agree - the RNLI reps were far to pushy at London Boat show yesterday.

[Leapy]

I donate £10 a month...when it's anniversary came up I got a letter asking me to increase it...I phoned them, not happy as I like to decide what I contribute and not be persuaded. They were happy to continue to take the £10 a month but said I would have to contribute more, as an as-well-as, to be a 'member': £30 a year from memory. Funny that, as I was already a member.

We agreed to differ. My position was £120 a year was a tidy sum and if everyone with a boat did that, etc etc etc. The RNLI position was 'company policy'.

I still pay the £10 a month, they still send me membership cards.

I pay the same sum to West Midlands Air Ambulance...the only thing they send me annually is a letter of thanks.

The RNLI is a fantastic organisation which I'm very proud to contribute to and shall continue to do so. I don't like some of their marketing techniques, though.