Stories have been doing the rounds in some towns of retailers collecting bushfire relief funds and not being transparent about what they do with the money. My advice is:
- Be clear about the charity for which you collect.
- If collections, deposit donations regularly.
- Get a receipt for each deposit you make and post the receipt in store and on your business social media pages.
- Choose a charity that is known and understood locally and one that is not engaged with any agenda that may concern some – like any church organisation.
We took this approach following the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria and found our customers appreciated the transparency.
The other point about this is to maintain a business as usual approach as much and possible. I say this as the everyday needs you serve in a typical newsagency or newsagency like business are still there. Serving these needs and not having your attention diverted (as much as practical and possible based on your location) makes sense.