Press Release

Charity Christmas card Scrooges

19 November 2007

You could be donating far less than you think when you buy charity cards on the high street this Christmas, warns Which?

A survey* by the consumer organisation found that 84 per cent of people think that more than 40 per cent of a charity card pack price should be donated. But in reality it can vary between 4 and 50 per cent, according to the Charities Advisory Trust.

A survey by the Trust found that Harrods, Cards Galore and Next are the most miserly, donating on average less than 10 per cent of the price from all charity packs. John Lewis also has a large proportion of packs with donations of less than 10 per cent.

The most generous donation is from Waterstone’s where 50 per cent goes to Unicef. Also high on the list is Clinton Cards, which gives 21 per cent.

The Charities Advisory Trust believes that if a donation is less than 10 per cent of the price, it shouldn’t be called a charity card. To be sure of donating higher amounts, Which? advises buying cards from charity shops or directly online.

Charities** still feel that high-street deals are valuable, despite the small donations, as so many people like the convenience of shopping on the high street.

Neil Fowler, Editor, Which?, says:

“Many of us buy charity Christmas cards for altruistic reasons, but when as little as 4 per cent goes to a good cause, we’re actually donating money to the retailer.

“If you really want to make a difference, buy directly from the charity or its own shops – or if you do buy from another retailer, make sure you check the small print.”

Notes to editors

* 1,060 adults were interviewed by Which? in October 2007.

** Which? spoke to Shelter, RSPCA and British Heart Foundation among others.

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