Charities divided over prizes for donors

Some say token prize shows appreciation; others say giving should be from heart

The Given Company (TGC) conducts donation draws on its website, where donations made towards its selected charities will give donors the chance to win prizes like a Mercedes-Benz car. Co-founder Charles Tan at The Given Company's launch on Wednesday.
The Given Company conducts donation draws on its website, where donations made towards its selected charities will give donors the chance to win prizes like a Mercedes-Benz car. PHOTO: THE GIVEN COMPANY
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A controversial form of fund raising which entices donors to give to charity by offering a chance to win luxury items in a lucky draw has reared its head again in Singapore.

The Straits Times reported earlier this month how social enterprise The Given Company has offered prizes including a Mercedes-Benz car through donation draws, triggering the concern of the Commissioner of Charities, which is now looking into the matter.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 13, 2018, with the headline Charities divided over prizes for donors. Subscribe