Over the years, we’ve donated to the Canadian Red Cross on occasion.

It’s not a regular occurrence by far, but apparently once you’re on the list, you’re on the list for life.

Now, there are very many worthy charities and organizations in the world, the country and our community and it’s impossible to support them all, but I have never been as frustrated with an organization as I am right now with the Red Cross.

The whole saga begins a few years ago when I was mailed a pen, possibly with my name on it, by the organization in a bid to get me to donate.

I was somewhat annoyed by that since I figure that people who donate money aren’t expecting anything in return, and/or can’t be bribed into it.

Sometime after that I received a phone call from the Red Cross, again, looking for donations.

Perfect, I thought. This is my opportunity to raise my concerns about the aforementioned pen, so I did. The nice person on the phone could see my point and promised to pass it along.

Fast forward to a few months ago when I received a large business-sized envelope from the Red Cross, which clearly had some goodies inside of it.

Aaarghh! I tore open the envelope to find a couple of gift bags, a couple of........

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