The death of Olive Cooke, Britain’s oldest poppy seller and long term charity donor, has provoked an outcry.
Mrs Cooke, who was found dead last week in the Avon Gorge in Bristol, reportedly felt tormented by the number of fundraising requests from a wide range of charities, and those closest to her believe it may have contributed to her distress.
Over the last few days the media, politicians and members of the public have called for greater control over charities’ fundraising communications with those who might be vulnerable. Regulators the Fundraising Standards Board and the Institute of Fundraising are to review practices and charities who may have contacted Olive Cooke in the months leading up to her death have begun to review their communications with her.
With this in mind, is it time for the charity sector to reconsider how it approaches donors, especially those who might struggle to say no? Is the current code of practice robust enough? Should there be more detailed guidance for fundraisers?
Share your views in the comments section below and tell us whether fundraising regulation needs an overhaul to address these issues.
For more news, opinions and ideas about the voluntary sector, join our community – it’s free!
