People have mixed views on those who are paid to sign members of the public up to charitable donations. The dilemma? Supporting charity is good (generally), but being pressured into isn’t.
Tony from Ryde has sent us in his views. Where do you stand? – Ed
Having lived in Ryde for the best part of over 30 years, the rise of the “chugger” has been very noticeable.
I have to purposely try and avoid the section of shops between Thorntons and Ladbrokes, as these clip board luminous bibbed teenagers stop local people going about their daily lives.
Ambushed
Part of the reason why Ryde is suffering more than most during this economic downturn is that shoppers and other visitors will stop coming if they know that every time they walk through Ryde High Street, they are going to be ambushed by people persistently demanding their names and bank account numbers.
Both Monday and Tuesday they were very much in evidence. One chugger shouted “I love you” to someone who refused his advances, others swerved to avoid the inevitable.
Is Ryde getting targeted?
Personally, I prefer to give to charity without the hard sell. Is it just me or is Ryde getting targeted more than say Newport or Cowes. It just seems that way to me. Cold calling without the necessity to trouble you at home but an invasion of my personal space nonetheless.
Enough to make one avoid Ryde town in favour of Tesco. Something, I am sure your readers can relate to perhaps?
What do you think? Is Tony right?
Image: howardlake under CC BY-SA 2.0
