# How to give to charity safely at Christmas – Charities Regulator in Ireland

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/12/20/give-charity-safely-christmas-charities-regulator-ireland/
- Published: 2017-12-20T08:24:31+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The Charities Regulator in Ireland is advising the general public to check the
Charities Register as the first step when it comes to donating safely to charities
this Christmas.**

 

“Christmas is a very important time for charities when it comes to raising funds
for their work,” Charities Regulator Chief Executive John Farrelly said.

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“We want to ensure that people can donate to registered Irish charities and have
some peace of mind. Checking the Charities Register should be the first step,” he
added.

 

The Charity Register provides information on charities, including who the charity
benefits and where it operates.

 

The [Charities Regulator in Ireland](http://www.charitiesregulator.ie) has advised
members of the public to consider taking these steps before donating:

 

 * Check the charity name, logo and registered charity number that appear on any
   collection leaflets;
 * Ensure any fundraising materials have clear contact and registration details 
   for the charity;
 * Check that the person collecting the donation has official identification and
   has a permit to collect in that particular area;
 * Ask if the collector knows what the charity does and can give examples of its
   work;
 * Do not provide your personal, credit card or online account details unless you
   know it is a trusted source;
 * If you think that there is something wrong, contact the charity directly and 
   alert them to your concerns.

 

The Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Northern Ireland Charity Commission,
and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator all periodically offer advice on
safer charitable giving, usually at religious festivals such as [Ramadan](https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/08/08/charity-commission-gives-safer-giving-advice-ramadan/)
and [Christmas](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/12/09/charity-commission-ni-urges-caution-christmas-giving/),
and in response to major [emergency appeals](https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/12/17/charity-commission-warns-bogus-uk-floods-charity/)
or events like the [Olympic Games](https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/07/24/how-give-safely-during-olympic-games/).

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