Coles slammed over ‘rude’ charity drive in store

A Coles customer has taken aim at the supermarket giant after spotting a charity worker — they say was wearing a “Coles visitor” name tag — asking for donations inside their local store.

The customer shared an image online of the charity employee speaking to another shopper at the end of an aisle, in front of the chilled food section.

The customer went on to accuse Coles of “allowing ‘visitors’ to walk around seeking donations”, adding that they had “never encountered this before”.

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They went on to say it felt “rude” to be “interrupted by someone seeking donations” when so many are struggling with cost of living expenses.

A Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that it is not policy to allow charity workers to ask for donations inside its supermarkets (see full statement below).

It is understood charity groups that request to fundraise at Coles are generally informed they can do so out the front of the store, in an area that doesn’t interfere with its customers’ shopping. It’s believed this customer’s experience was likely an anomaly.

In their Reddit post, the customer said they were concerned by the incident.

“Today at the Coles store in Westfield Penrith, Penrith NSW, while doing some shopping, I was approached by someone wearing a Coles ‘visitor’ tag on their clothes, claiming to be seeking donations for domestic violence victims,” they wrote.

“I didn’t catch the organisation’s name before they leapt into their spiel, but I have never encountered this before. I have blurred their face in the image as the issue is with Coles allowing this, rather than the ‘visitor’ who, in their defence, was nice and not pushy.

“With everyone facing increased living costs, it felt rude to me to be interrupted by someone seeking donations unsolicited while getting food to live. I advised I wasn’t interested and didn’t make a scene, as my issue was allowing this in the first place and not the person.

“However, as someone who used to catch the train a lot and experienced being hassled all the time on the way in and out of stations by groups seeking donations, it has always irked me when unsolicited in places you have to go (transport, or in this case grocery shopping).

“More so now because many are struggling and by no fault of their own are now stuck in a position to either give something or feel bad and say no. Many walked away advising their partner/friend they ‘feel like s*** for saying no’.

“No one is expecting this when grocery shopping. Some people were being waved down because they could not hear because of wireless earphones, and I assume music was being played. Is this something I have been lucky to miss so far, or is it something new?”

The post sparked a big reaction online, with many agreeing that it wasn’t right.

“I had it happen to me several years ago in my local Coles. I can’t remember anything about it really, just that I was approached,” one said.

“If I am ever approached again in Coles, I will politely decline then have a word to Coles management. Doing grocery shopping, one should expect the store to be a safe haven and not to be hassled for money.

“And these charities now, it’s not a one-off payment, or empty your coins into a bucket. It’s a monthly debit out of your account. And I believe they hope for at least a year worth of donations before the charity actually sees anything (from what I’ve heard).”

Another added: “OMFG! I had this happen to me at Mortdale Woolworths! I thought it was an accident. I guess not.”

A third wrote: “I am fatigued by all the requests for donations, I just want to be left in peace to go about my business shopping and then go home.”

One more responded: “This is f*****, I would hate this.”

Another said: “This makes me really angry.”

Coles responds

A Coles spokesperson said the supermarket encourages stores to support local charities — but does not approve of fundraising inside stores.

“We understand many of our customers are impacted by increased cost-of-living pressures,” the spokesperson said.

“While we work hard to support a range of charities which in turn support our local communities, it is not standard practice for charity groups to fundraise on the supermarket shop floor.

“In addition to Coles’ formal charity partnerships, we empower our store teams to support their own local charities and community projects, and provide them with guidance about how to raise awareness and funds in a way which is mindful of our customers.”