FRAUDSTERS posing as Daffodil Cottage donation collectors are doing their best to scam members of the community.
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Just a fortnight after the Daffodil Cottage Extension Committee officially launched a new fundraising campaign to extend the dedicated cancer care cottage, word has been getting back that conmen are seeking to cash in on the committee’s work.
The eight-member committee has been told someone is approaching local business owners and individuals claiming to be raising money for Daffodil Cottage.
They have also been making phone calls.
“It is sad when we are working so hard to collect this money, to discover someone is taking advantage of the cottage to line their own pockets."
Committee members Jane and Robert Rawlings are warning people to be cautious if approached by someone claiming they are collecting money on behalf of Daffodil Cottage.
Mrs Rawlings said fundraising committee members would never call people on the phone asking for money and they don’t doorknock.
They also wear official badges whenever they are fundraising.
She said unfortunately because people in the local community have always been so generous when it comes to Daffodil Cottage they are quick to put their hand in their pocket.
“Don’t just hand money over to someone because they ask,” she said.
Mrs Rawlings said the committee has spoken with the police and the Department of Fair Trading about the scam.
“It is sad when we are working so hard to collect this money, to discover someone is taking advantage of the cottage to line their own pockets,” she said.
“In the end they are robbing people who have cancer.”
The Daffodil Cottage Extension Committee is made up of Jane and Robert Rawlings, Doug and Paula Kinlyside, Peta Gurdon-O’Meara, Kevin Shute, Sue Lasky and John Troller.
All members of the committee will identify themselves when speaking with people in the community.
They will also carry donation forms.
The fundraising appeal was launched just two weeks ago and already the committee has raised $15,000.
In addition, Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced at the launch that the State Government would kick in $150,000 to get the appeal off to a good start.
Mr Rawlings said around $600,000 would be needed to extend Daffodil Cottage.
“This fundraising effort is critical,” Mr Rawlings said.
“Our patient numbers have doubled in the past two years. We have to double our beds and we can’t do that without money.”
Mrs Rawlings said over the coming months members of the committee will be manning tables in the shopping centres and approaching Bathurst’s 3200 businesses.
They also have a number of fundraising events planned.
