UPPER NAPPAN – The Amherst Police Department has received inquiries regarding faxes that have been sent to local businesses soliciting financial support for an activity book for children.
Representatives of The Healing Hands Busy Book may indicate that they are contacting businesses on behalf of the Cumberland Regional Health Centre.
The public should be aware that this organization has not received any endorsement from the Cumberland Health Authority to solicit funds on its behalf.
Police are advising the public to use these tips when donating to charities this holiday season:
Do not respond to any unsolicited faxes or emails. Viruses may be contained within email messages.
Ask questions on what portion of your donation is going to the charity and how much is used for administration costs.
Honest charities will not pressure you into making contributions.
Beware of organizations with similar names of reputable charities.
Providing your personal and financial information may make you a victim of identity theft.
Verify the charity by researching its legitimacy. Various Internet resources are available that may help in confirming the organization’s existence and non-profit status.
Pay by credit card or write a cheque directly to the charity. Do not make cheques payable to individuals. Avoid making donations with cash if possible.
Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
Legitimate charities do not normally request charitable donations be sent via money transfer services such as MoneyGram or Western Union.
Anyone who wants to make a direct contribution to the Cumberland Regional Hospital is encouraged to contact Managing Director Gwen Kerr of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation at 667-5400, extension 6126 or Ann Keddy, Director of Public Relations at 661-1090.
