Christmas Gift Policy, Donations and Fraud Awareness
‘Tis the season to celebrate, and for many of us that involves gift-giving. We recently reminded the Menno Place residents of our gift policy when it comes to staff and I want to share that with the staff as well.
GIFTS FOR STAFF
Residents may wish to give a gift to the staff, here are some guidelines:
- Gifts must be able to be shared by all the staff (e.g. chocolates, cards, pizza lunch, flowers).
- Individual staff members are not permitted to accept gifts. If the resident insists or becomes upset take the gift to your manager immediately.
- Financial gifts (cash/gift cards) to individual staff members are NOT allowed to be received.
If residents wish to make a financial contribution to Menno Place, donations to the Mennonite Benevolent Society can be made at reception (charitable donation receipts available).
FUNDRAISING
There is to be NO fundraising, solicitation of gifts, or request for money at Menno Place (whether from or by residents or staff). There should never be any obligation or social pressure to make a financial contribution. Fundraising is NOT allowed at Menno Place (unless Menno Place announces and endorses an official project; this will be clearly communicated through a memo).
FRAUD AWARENESS
At this time of year, unsavory people are often more active in trying to get money and information from our residents. Please remind residents to be very careful with whom they share any personal information (such as banking information, birthdate, social insurance number) when receiving random phone calls. It is doubtful that a resident will receive a phone call from the CRA about an overdue account, from Amazon about a compromised credit card, or from a stranger asking for funds to help a grandchild get out of jail. If a resident gets a call like this, hang up and suggest that they contact the Seniors Abuse & Information Line 1-866-437-1940 or a trusted family member. A helpful brochure with more information can be downloaded by clicking here.
