Am I being unfair?

Joan

I am a member of a Lions Club and I have been Treasurer for several years. I can assure you that in NSW and presumably the other states in Australia there are quite strict regulations (administered by the Office of Fair Trading and the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing) which cover charitable fundraising and how much must be returned to the community in the form of donations/support. For example, at least 60% of gross proceeds from a raffle must go to the advertised project. Check out http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/charitable_best_pract.asp if you want to investigate further. It also covers issues like using paid collectors (who must be clearly identified as such).
In the case of Lions Clubs we follow the general principle that all money raised from the public must go back to the public, with the only deductions being the direct costs of the fundraising activity. For example in the case of a raffle we can deduct the cost of the prizes, the tickets, any advertising and postage etc. But those amounts cannot exceed 40% of the total as per the above guidelines. The general administration costs of running a club are paid for by members out of their own pockets through membership fees.
I would challenge your assertion that "most charity collectors [are] paid a hefty wage". I think you'll find the majority are volunteers who belong to community service organisations. May I respectfully suggest that if you have a problem with donating your cash, donate your time and energy instead. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of an organisation which does amazing things both locally and throughout the world. Check out the websites of Lions and Rotary to see the sorts of things they do. Or choose another charity and support that - there are so many, and they need volunteers as much or more than they need cash. And don't say you're too busy - make the time. Go on - I dare you!! You won't be sorry.