A week doesn't go by without someone asking for a donation at the restaurant. Whether it is for a school group, a kids' program, the Heart & Stroke fund or the high school car rally, someone is always asking for a donation.
So, how do you choose what to support?
I have a few guidelines that I use.
1) They must have documentation - a letter of request will do
2) Do they support/service our community?
3) Is their audience part of our customer base?
4) Is there a personal connection to a staff member?
5) Are they known to the restaurant? (A regular customer)
6) What are they looking for? (Cash, gift cards, product)
7) Do they fit our mandate of supporting community, youth sports, local agriculture?
I set aside $2500 annually for this type of donation. In consultation with the staff members, we decide what major charities are important to our families. Then each year we pursue donating to the Cancer Society, The MS Society, the local United Way and an organization that supports animal rescue/welfare.
We have been creative and had ice cream float sales, milkshake sales and other in-store events to raise funds for the Cancer Society and MS Research. When we do these events, I personally match all money raised and "double" the donation.
It has always been a morale booster for my staff to know that the charities that are important to their families are honoured and recognized at their workplace as well. Cancer has touches the lives of all of us. Together we are stronger. Acts of support are more than just a financial boost, they are an emotional one as well.
While we can't say "yes" to every donation request, we do politely explain our restaurant charity mandate, and offer support in creative ways whenever possible.
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