{"id":51269,"date":"2014-12-08T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-12-08T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=f77d188e4ec9ad69c30d2883ee2680db"},"modified":"2014-12-08T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2014-12-08T10:00:00","slug":"press-release-regulators-urge-the-public-to-have-a-safe-xmas-when-donating-to-charity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=51269","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Regulators urge the public to have a \u2018Safe Xmas\u2019 when donating to charity"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The Charity Commission<\/a>, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has teamed up with the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB)<\/a>, the self-regulatory body for UK fundraising, to encourage the public to give safely to charities this Christmas by remembering the \u2018Safe Xmas\u2019 acronym. Both regulators will also be issuing the advice on social media, which can be found by following #SafeXmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Christmas is a traditional time for giving and charities work hard to raise money during this time to fund their work throughout the year. The general public give generously to charity and in a survey of people\u2019s giving habits last Christmas, 85% of people said they give directly to charity at Christmas, donating an average of around \u00a340 to the good causes they care about.* <\/p>\n

Almost all collections are genuine, but some people will try to abuse the generosity of others for their own gain. With some charities and supporters having experienced fraud, it is vital that the public know that their donations are going to the right place. The commission and FRSB have come together to issue a few simple tips for giving with confidence this Christmas. <\/p>\n

Remember #SafeXmas<\/h3>\n

S – search for a charity\u2019s name, registration number and landline on fundraising materials<\/p>\n

A – ask to see a collector\u2019s ID badge and don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions<\/p>\n

F – find the FRSB tick logo, showing that the charity\u2019s fundraising is regulated<\/p>\n

E – ensure the collection device is sealed<\/p>\n

X – xtra information about charities can be found at
\nwww.gov.uk\/charity-commission<\/a><\/p>\n

M – make sure clothing collection bags are clearly branded with a charity\u2019s details<\/p>\n

A – always check email and web links are genuine before donating<\/p>\n

S – still unsure? Contact your favourite charity direct and donate<\/p>\n

Paula Sussex, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said:<\/h4>\n
\n

It\u2019s great to see that people are still extremely generous to charities at Christmas, and throughout the year. We\u2019d like to remind the public that by taking a few small steps when donating, you can ensure that your money goes to the right place.<\/p>\n

Whilst incidents of fundraising fraud are rare, they do sadly occur. Don\u2019t be put off from giving \u2013 instead, help keep charities accountable by using the resources available to make checks when giving this season. Use the online register, ask questions and have a \u2018Safe Xmas\u2019 this year knowing you\u2019ve made a difference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Alistair McLean, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Standards Board, said:<\/h4>\n
\n

People are often incredibly generous in giving both time and money to good causes at Christmas and this support is critical. Many charities will be relying on money donated during the winter months to fund vital services that continue throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Although bogus fundraising remains rare in the UK, it is essential that we all do what we can to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to cheat charities and their supporters. For donors, this means being aware and, if in doubt, making a few simple checks before giving. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions or to contact the charity with your queries.<\/p>\n

Above all, keep on giving. Your donations could make a critical difference to the good causes you care about this Christmas.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For more information on fundraising regulation, go to the FRSB website<\/a>, to the commission\u2019s guidance on GOV.UK or to the commission\u2019s newly published fundraising statement<\/a> which signposts readers to the correct regulator for any issues they wish to raise.<\/p>\n

*ICM interviewed a random sample of 1162 adults aged 18+ via telephone in the UK between 22 November and 24 November 2013. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Ends<\/p>\n

PR103\/14<\/p>\n

\n

Notes to editors<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. The Charity Commission is the independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales, acting in the public\u2019s interest, to ensure that:\n