Donations for Christmas calendars etc

[Catalpa]

So, when the lady from the Troisieme Age group arrives and offers a calendar (I assume it's next years - I forgot to check ) what's the going rate for a donation?

More generally, does the postman merit a bigger donation than the dustmen... or than the lady from the Club de l'amitié des personnes agées? Flat rate for all or scaled according to an esoteric pecking order?

Carole

[waiting to see if I've been generous or exeedingly tight!]

[Sue Smith]

Hi Carole,

Last year I gave E5 for each calendar, with one exception. When three gorgeous sapeurs pompiers arrived at the door I gave them E10. What a sad old lady I am!

Regards,

Sue.

[Tourangelle]

5 euros all round I'd say.  I only do postman, binmen, firemen, but then I'm in the big bad city and I've heard about loads of scams.  I'd be suspicous of anybody selling a calendar in September though!

[Val_2]

Me too. Anyone selling calendars before November is a bit suspect. Troisième Age? Never ever heard of any calendars being sold on their behalf. Local pompiers always put a note in the local paper to warn people when they will be in their sector and we always give them at least 10€. There used to be a skinfilint brit here who used to give 10F and demand three or more copies,than god he's gone back to the UK now as he gave the rest of us a bad name where money and socialising was concerned.

[JohnM]

I know I've thought this question, but can't remember actually asking (I've not found an aswer in the archives so hope I'm safe in asking... again).

Do the firemen do this nationwide? I've never been at the house when they've called, but am more than happy to buy one. If I go to the fire house and ask, will they know exactly what I mean?

[Val_2]

Yes I am pretty sure it is nationwide. Here our calendar usually has photos of different situations from all over the dept on the month pages and then concentrates on the locals inside and on the back and front covers along with good advice and tel nos etc. If you go along to the fire station I am sure they will sell you a copy as the money raised goes to help them keep the service going where the government dosn't give them enough and its not just fires either - ambulance,rescue and general help too.

[Catalpa]

Good, I wasn't mean! I had E6 in coins and gave that. Phew.

It wasn't a scam, I know of the group's existence and I know the identify of the woman who visited though I'd not previously met her. She was possibly looking for new recruits to her merry band of personnes agées and came to check us out. She's a bit premature and I felt her disappointment.

And Sue...

<< When three gorgeous sapeurs pompiers arrived at the door I gave them E10. >>

I'll certainly keep all my loose change available for the day *that* happens! Sad? Nah... hopeful!

As far as suspicions go... we did distrust the guy who turned up one July Sunday afternoon, 2.30-ish, with a few sample pieces of firewood in the back of his van asking us if we'd like to order. Not at this time, we said. Leave your number and we'll call you. No, he said, because he "didn't speak English". As we'd discussed his wood in adequate French which he'd understood we didn't rate this as a convincing argument.

Carole

[Teamedup]

Was it the  bloke or the wood that was the problem. Because I would always buy wood sooner than later so that it can be stocked and dry out even more. Wait until later in the year and one can end up with damp, fairly newish wood, even from reputable suppliers, such is the demand later in the year.