Earlier this week a huge box of cookies arrived at our offices from one of Thailand's big corporations. They were sent to congratulate us on the first edition of our new magazine.
Our Code of Standards prohibits accepting gifts worth more than US$25, because of the implication that we would owe the donating company something in return, possibly favourable media coverage. These cookies were obviously expensive, so in keeping with our policy we donated them to one of Bangkok's many centres for orphaned children.
We sent a letter to the donating company, thanking them for their kind gift and explaining our policy and what we did. I've not heard anything from them, yet.
I doubt there are many companies in Thailand that would do something like this.
Nice to think the orphanage benefitted from this policy. I think you are wise to do this - it is so important to be seen to be impartial. May the gifts roll in so the orphans can benefit ( wonder what you would do with a case of champagne? maybe raffle it and send the proceeds to the orphans?).
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Hi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteBeing balanced and fair is crucial; so many companies may say they do things like this but when it comes down to it the gifts might find their way into a directors office.
The case of champagne example is interesting. There are actually many organisations in Bangkok that I would like us to support, and for something like that I guess the best thing would be to donate it to them and let them decide what to do with it. Hopefully it would be raffled and not consumed.