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And our readers say...
By Cam Tait
April 17, 2006
In memory of my newspaper hero, Paul Rimstead of the Toronto Sun, who told me the most important thing ever written are quotes from people...
"I don't think this is worth fretting about," e-mails Denice. "I think creative solutions to difficult problems are in order at times. I also have trouble with shooting down someone who is only trying to have a positive outcome."
Denice and several others responded to my question, and - alright, okay - my little rant last week about a telephone company making a $5,000 contribution to the Food Bank of Edmonton upon the safe return of the TELUS Cup. The trophy went missing in Edmonton after the University of Alberta Golden Bears men's hockey team was out celebrating with it.
This from Nick, who works with the phone company: "TELUS invested about $2 million supporting community initiatives (philanthropy, sponsorship, etc.) in Edmonton last year alone. I can tell you it's not because of some disingenuous attempt to get our name in the paper; it's because we think it's the right thing to do. You should know that was the intent with respect to the Food Bank as it relates to the University Cup - whether you disagree with the donation or not. I certainly don't expect you to applaud a company every time they make a donation to a charity. That's not what it's about. I just feel your criticism was a little misplaced in this case. We have a number of folks who worked hard on our support of the TELUS University Cup. The donation was another way they thought they could contribute given the circumstances."
Now, we have something from Teri: "In this TELUS Cup incident, I agree that TELUS is shamefully abusing this theft to promote itself and to skew, ethically and morally, the intent of and reason for making a charitable donation. In some sense, TELUS, and other corporate entities, wield power over charities and can influence, even subtly blackmail nonprofit organizations desperately hungry for funding. However, as difficult as it may be for an organization, it becomes necessary to decline to become part of this type of scenario by declining the proffered donation when acceptance of it constitutes or implies condoning the underlying values (or lack thereof) of the donor doing the tempting.
Judy writes: "They are not corporate citizens. Talk about taking advantage of a bad situation."
From Helene: "I DO agree with you that this is a 'misguided' act on the part of the telephone company. First of all, why do they think the perpetrators of this theft would be inclined to give the cup back if they are not the recipients of the reward? What makes them think the Food Bank would even be happy to receive (or even accept) such a donation tainted by a felony? But I don't agree that kids would start stealing if there was such a deal, as they are only interested in their own selfish gain."
Joyce sends: "To steal a trophy for a contribution to a charity wouldn't be a big deal, unless it is an ego trip. But, if [TELUS] is expecting free advertising why don't they just make a nice big contribution. This would get them media coverage honestly. This gives our young people a really bad message, because like you say, stealing is wrong, and to expect a reward from stealing is even worse."
Lisa thinks: "No charitable donation should be connected in any way with crime."
This from Margaret: "I don't think donations should be presented as a prize, nor do I believe that volunteers should be coerced. Sometimes the goal can blind us to what we are willing to do in order to achieve our objective. In the long run, it seems to me that we do bad PR when we get lax on our moral fiber."
Geri says: "Charities should not benefit from criminal acts or things that should be criminal based on their nature."
Andy on the story as a whole: "That is shameful."
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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