‘Chuggers’ keeping holiday shoppers from downtown

With the holiday shopping season hitting full stride, the question arises of whether to shop downtown or at shopping centres. Usually, it comes down to parking availability at malls vs. greater variety downtown. As the stores in the city’s centre try to combat the malls’ attempts to lure shoppers to the suburbs, they might want to consider dealing with the chugger situation.

Chuggers are street corner fundraisers who accost prospective donors. The term is a combination of the words “charity” and “mugger.” What these people do is try, in an aggressive manner, to get you to stop, so they can tell you their story. They usually wear an identifying vest and they might wave a clipboard in your face.

My own experience was typical: On several consecutive days, I was approached by a pleasant but determined young woman who, apparently, was soliciting funds for a charity that saved animals from puppy mills. A noble cause, for sure. After a few days of explaining I wasn’t interested, I finally said I’d have a listen.

The woman was articulate and friendly. Once finished, she asked whether I would like to donate. I asked her to email me some information, and I would consider it. She said she couldn’t do that. What she wanted, believe it or not, was my banking information so “we can set up monthly donations.”

Did she really think I would give my banking information to an absolute stranger on a street corner?

I’m not Scrooge; I’m all in favour of charity, and I understand they have to ask or they won’t get. However the downtown merchants association should keep an eye out for overly aggressive chuggers who make the shopping experience less enjoyable.