Unicef Donations.

[ric_melb]

Having just checked out from the Four Points Geelong I again agreed to have a Unicef donation added to my bill. I think its a good cause, and hopefully my donation may help some unfortunate children.

However one fact annoys me, the donation is meant to be USD1.00.
However all year, that I can remember, and certainly this time AUD1.35 was added to my bill.
Given the current exchange rate, the amount should be AUD1.10. In fact the calendar year began with the rate being approximately AUD1.10 and it has not been over AUD1.22 all year.

I just wonder why Australians are having to pay far more than the current exchange rate, and when, if ever, the rate gets reset.

Does it irk others, or am I just being grumpy?

 

[k_sheep]

It irks me that I'm getting guilted into donating to a cause. You'd look like the biggest cheapskate in the world if you asked to have it taken off, even if you already donate substantial amounts of time/money to the causes you truly believe in.

It's kind of like those seat poachers who grab your seat before you get there, assuming you'll agree and make it look like a big deal if you just want what you pay for.

And yes, penny pinching with dodgy exchange rates would annoy me too!

 

[medhead]

I'd don't think it is being grumpy. If you agree to something then that is all that you should pay.

But I would be irked about being guilted into donating. Personally, i just say I gave at the office, well more like I have already chosen the charities I'll support this year and your not on the list. As I'm actually supporting other charities I have no problem telling them no.

 

[NM]

Personally I would ask them not to include such a donation on my hotel bill. If staying say 10 times a year, if paying via the hotel bill Unicef gets US$10 and yo pay A$13.50. So with a marginal tax rate of say 35%, I could donate A$18.20 for an after-tax cost to me of $13.50 and Unicef would be receiving around US$16 based on today's exchange rate. Seems like a far better win for the charity than creating a tax benefit for the hotel chain.

When making donations to charities, I always consider the tax deductibility as allowing me to donate a larger amount. Such donations are part of our family budget, so I do not feel at all compelled to donate via a hotel chain business.