Skip to content

Letters: Donation should be voluntary

Dispoal company donation to charity irks Sooke resident

Re: Pink cart program explained by SDL, February 4, 2015

Always enjoyed a good explanation that sounds more like an exercise in public relations.

What Mr. Winter fails to explain is if the price was going to be $7.95 “regardless” then why is SDL 60 per cent more expensive then the competitor who provides two totes (inside and outside) free of charge and how can SDL now afford the $2 for charity.

In addition he does not explain whether SDL will use these monies for a taxable donation and what transparent process will be put in place to ensure the fine people of Sooke that their money was actually donated in full. I found his comment “Yes! It is the people that will make this program, not us. We just came up with the concept” a interesting turn of phrase implying choice.

In their lengthy debates I am also curious as to whether they discussed any potential unintended consequences. For example the less fortunate in Sooke now have to find an additional $10 per year to pay for kitchen scraps and involuntary donations. I’m sure this might not seem like much to many but for those living at or below the poverty line it does add additional stress.

So if SDL is extremely proud of the people of Sooke and feel they are the best customers in the world, they should consider making this $2 donation voluntary.  They might be surprised at the response without adding that little extra pressure for those who are less fortunate.

I like to support local business, but the way SDL has handled this so far sure makes it difficult.

Wayne McTaggart

Sooke