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Is this within the Rules

(27 Posts)
Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 09:31:44

My friend has asked if I can help her over the weekend with collecting money for a dog rescue, who are desperate for funds.
The idea is to stand near the entrance of a local beauty spot, popular with dog walkers, with collection boxes.
Do you think this would be ok with regard to Covid Rules.
I don’t want to get arrested.... ?

Peasblossom Fri 30-Apr-21 10:10:28

Any collection of that kind needs a licence. Has she got one?

Peasblossom Fri 30-Apr-21 10:11:05

I mean normally. Nothing to do with Covid.

BlueBelle Fri 30-Apr-21 10:35:27

Covid wise sounds perfectly ok you re not going to be engaging in close contact with the public any more than a sales assistant does and you ll be out in the fresh air
So as long as you hav3 permission and wear a mask all sounds fine to me

Jaxjacky Fri 30-Apr-21 10:37:01

As far as I can see it’s within Covid rules if you’re distanced from each other, but you do need a licence, as Peasebloom says, from the local authority. Some people may ask to see this, I would, to check it’s for a charity, not basically begging.

Galaxy Fri 30-Apr-21 10:38:12

And as peasblossom says a licence. Actually I wonder if collecting like that will be on the way out. I never carry actual money anymore and I won't be the only one. And I am not the queen smile

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 10:39:00

I’ve just asked and she hasn’t got a licence but is now talking of handing out leaflets with details of how to join the Facebook page of the Animal Charity to contribute by PayPal.
We would wear masks but I’m still worried that trying to hand a leaflet to people would not be within the Covid Rules.
Has anyone any idea?

Galaxy Fri 30-Apr-21 10:40:42

Nothing to do with covid I just wouldnt involve myself in that it sounds like she doesnt know what she is doing.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 10:43:45

Thanks BlueBelle, jaxjacky and Galaxy, I hadn’t seen your replies.
It was more the Covid thing I was worried about.
I agree also that most people do not carry cash anymore.

Kalu Fri 30-Apr-21 10:48:35

I shouldn’t imagine many would be happy accepting a leaflet from a stranger in the street during covid times, even though this is done with the best intentions. Good luck with whatever is achieved via Facebook.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 10:57:00

She has raised money for this charity through friends on Facebook, by competitions she holds but is trying to raise more awareness of this particular Animal Charity.
I agree Galaxy she doesn’t really know what’s she’s doing.

Peasblossom Fri 30-Apr-21 10:59:03

People don’t like taking leaflets at the best of times. And being approached by a stranger urging you to take a leaflet would make a lot of people uneasy at the moment.

Honestly, I don’t think she’s thought this through. It could be counterproductive and turn people off her rescue charity.

Her intention is good but perhaps she’s not seeing it through other peoples eyes?

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 11:05:18

Yes Peasblossom I know, that’s the reason I’m so hesitant about helping her, although her hearts in the right place.
She’s just rang and is now applying for a street licence, which is apparently free from the local council.
Thanks for all you help everyone!!!

cornishpatsy Fri 30-Apr-21 12:03:18

Bit of a waste spending money on leaflets that few will read. Social media is the best way of raising money and awareness.

How many dog walkers does she expect to see? probably not even a hundred. Sounds as though she doesn't know what she is doing.

Blossoming Fri 30-Apr-21 12:12:43

Putting up leaflets or notices in local vets, pet shops and community noticeboards in supermarkets are all good ways of getting noticed.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 13:04:20

Thanks for those ideas Blossoming and as I said upthread cornishpasty she doesn’t really know what she’s doing but just trying to do her best to raise funds for stray animals.
You don’t have to know exactly what you’re doing before trying something, that’s how we learn.
Anyway, good news, someone has just contacted her and offered to raise funds at a Dog Show, planned for later in the year.

NotSpaghetti Fri 30-Apr-21 13:19:03

The vets idea is definitely good. Can she speak to someone at the local radio station I wonder?

I don't know anyone (except my 97yr old mother in law) who carries cash now. Even lots of car-parks operate cashless these days.

I honestly think you should gently direct her energy elsewhere...

nanna8 Fri 30-Apr-21 13:24:04

I just carry coins for shopping trolleys ( yes, they still have that here) and enough for a cup of coffee and I would think most would be the same.

Cabbie21 Fri 30-Apr-21 13:48:32

I can see the leaflets getting thrown down, creating litter.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 15:08:35

Great idea about the Local Radio Station NotSpaghetti.
I’ve told her I’ll help her when she gets a licence.
This particular country park has a very busy cafe which only accepts cash, so I think quite a few people will be carrying cash, lots of children wanting ice creams etc.
Anyway, all we can do is try it and see how it goes, meanwhile I’ve made a contribution to help out, with five pups who were abandoned and need vaccinating.

welbeck Fri 30-Apr-21 16:12:36

it might be counter-productive with leaflets.
they will create litter; local wardens may come after the charity.

welbeck Fri 30-Apr-21 16:14:25

i think any activity that involves the public and money has to be carefully researched. it's amateurish to just learn by doing something incorrectly and can cause adverse publicity or legal liability.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 16:52:55

Thanks welbeck, she has decided to not do leaflets for the reason you stated and as far as collecting cash in boxes, according to Government Guidance, as long as you get a local council licence and are honest about what you are collecting for, taking no expenses whatsoever, have at least two people counting and banking the funds, that seems to be the criteria.
We have also found out that you can collect money on private premises and have collection boxes in public houses with the owners permission.

NotSpaghetti Fri 30-Apr-21 16:57:48

SO pleased you have got a bit further forward with this.
Do you have a photo board or similar you can take? Obviously check that you are allowed!

Also, do not SHAKE any collection boxes or cans as that IS illegal!
Good luck.

Buffybee Fri 30-Apr-21 17:45:46

Thanks NotSpaghetti, we’ve decided to sit behind a small display table with the collection box on it and a selection of free dog treats.
We won’t be approaching people and definitely no shaking of the collection box. ?
I’m so nervous about doing it but it’s for a good cause and I love animals, so worth a little embarrassment.