Beware of charity fraudsters

Ms Jooste said her concern was based on reports that people have been posing as representatives of the Avril Elizabeth Home and collecting funds in its name.

The Avril Elizabeth Home is strict in its fund collection operations and anyone raising funds for the home is given written permission to do so. The home does not approve, and therefore does not give permission, to “fundraisers” who accost people in parking lots or shopping centres.

“We do have people who do sell Avril Elizabeth Home button badges in some shopping centres. They will always be seated at a table and will have identification and information from the home,” said Ms Jooste.

“There are also fundraisers who approach companies and the public on our behalf, but they carry identification that clearly marks them as our representatives.”

Teddy collection tins are visibly marked with the Avril Elizabeth teddy bear logo and with the organisation’s non profit organisation number and contact details.

Ms Jooste said that the people who collect the tins also have written permission to do so and anyone who does not have written permission should not be given the tins.

“Please do not contribute to tins that are not clearly marked as Avril Elizabeth Home Teddy Tins,” she said.

Ms Jooste advises anyone with teddy tins who are in doubt about the person approaching them for funding or collecting a Teddy Tin, or is unsure whether the documentation they have is legitimate or about the tin itself, should contact the home on 011 822-2233. “We will investigate the matter immediately,” said Ms Jooste.

For more information about the Avril Elizabeth Home or other ways in which to donate to it, go to www.avril.org.za or call 011 822-2233.