Where are our charity lira going?

petsonstreet


Joined: 02/09/2011
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 10:26

Having always been one to reach into my pocket to pass spare Lira to KAR I was a little surprised to see a KAR vehicle being used clearly outside of hours by a KAR staff member almost so drunk she could barely walk straight, to collect pizza and drink wine at Mama Mia last night.

Whilst KAR continue to do as i am sure "the best they can" with the limited funds they receive - perhaps they might be able to do more if the vehicles were used for work only purposes... I for one believed my donations went to assisting the rescue of animals, not the collection of pizza! GN367 on Thur 1 Sept 21.30 @ Mama Mia.. Shame guys!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 10:41

Blimey, I wouldn't want to do anything slightly "off kilter" with you watching ..................

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 10:46

Some people will always abuse charity donations , but don`t tar everyone with the same brush.

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:14

Msg 1 poster. Perhaps a call to the Head of KAR for an explanation rather than negativity on this forum might help this worthwhile charity more than this type of post for all to see. Just a thought!

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:19

Exactly tomsteel, petsonstreet 1st post, joined today, typical of someone who loves to post publically about an incident where I suspect they do not have the guts to bring it up with KAR direct.

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:22

I also saw her, gotta say she was very pissed, i have nothing against KAR and think they do a great job it's the fact of her driving in such a terrible stat. What were you thinking woman. I have no objections to them using the van out of hours, why not? who's to know there hours anyway i think thats being a bit petty. The crime here is driving in such a state no matter what their driving

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:30

I agree with message 1, name and shame and hopefully will stop them doing it again, may even save a life.

Hamish


Joined: 19/01/2011
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:44

Thank you for bringing this incident to the attention of KAR as they take these allegations very seriously. In order for them to investigate this matter further, please would you either e-mail them at kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org or telephone the office on 0553 869 4098.

petsonstreet


Joined: 02/09/2011
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:50

@tomsteel and GinaC - I agree - it's a pity they took no interest, wouldn't even provide the name of the correct person to speak to...



I will always highly commend the excellent work of KAR - this unfortunately does reflect on them when their staff act in a manner that flaunts both laws and decency of the donations they are receiving.

Kibris


Joined: 07/11/2007
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:53

So do as message 8 says and ring them!

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:56

Surely the person volunteers ?

the person was off duty

so what has it got to do with the charity ?

kittyfun


Joined: 11/04/2011
Posts: 181

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:59

There is being done & has been much worse done in the name of charity, in the TRNC, I wonder at the sudden upsurge of charity events being advertised all over the area and ask myself if there is something underhand going on, maybe not, but ????

itfc1978


Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 11:59

Message 9



That is most strange I have just spoken to the KAR office on 0553 869 4098 and they have received no call.

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:01

Hamish, hopefully petsonstreet will contact you direct although their latest post infers they have tried already. Even the username petsonstreet sound like a dig at KAR.

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:03

Not strange at all itfc1978, this type of first post happens too often on here. I hope the moderators leave it open so we can all see if petsonstreet does contact KAR, over to you petsonstreet.

Mitch68


Joined: 19/04/2011
Posts: 92

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:10

Kitty fun message 12



What a harsh message! Whilst I agree that there are no excuses for drink/driving, at least in her sober hours she is trying to make a difference.



Asking yourself if there is something "underhand going on" regarding charity events- get a grip. Some people genuinly just try to make the world, or their part of it, a bit of a better place.

theparson


Joined: 28/05/2011
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:12

I feel sure that KAR will fully investigate this matter as allegations of this type can bring an organisation down.

petsonstreet please please please make an official complaint as per message 8.



If you dont then you had better make an open apology to KAR for making such an allegation.

The balls in your court, and you had better do something PDQ.

kittyfun


Joined: 11/04/2011
Posts: 181

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:42

Hi mitch,

Harsh as may be but think on it ?? there are many people here dipping into their pockets daily and weekly to give to charity and they all give freely theres no denying that but & its a big but theres plenty out there who are only too willing to take advantage of the situation, and ive heard all the arguments ie: we would never do that sort of thing ie: are you accusing us ie: all money is accounted for but it still happens time and time.



My thoughts on the original post is its somebody stirring it or trying to stick the knife in somebodys back as happens on here a lot, but theres much worse going on than somebody using the works van to collect their pizza, and as for drunk its hearsay isnt it surely ?? or did new poster petsonstreet have her breathilysed ?

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:43

theparson

petsonstreet is new and maybe unsure whether or not to get so involved - especially after mostly critical replies. But whatever happens I hardly think any apology is due as the incident was independently witnessed by cyprusjoker (message 6).

petsonstreet


Joined: 02/09/2011
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:44

@itfc1978 indeed it seemed strange but i just spoke with them and seems the number i called this morning was the "volunteer in question"



thanks everyone for helping - KAR will take care of this matter now. Margaret at KAR was fantastic!

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:49

Well done petsonstreet, I apologise for being cynical but sadly these type of 1st time posts all too often are just that.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 12:55

The van was presumaly bought,,taxed , licenced, serviced and filled with petrol by donations from the public, some ill able to afford it. It should not be used for personal use, even by volunteers, except perhaps in emergency (such as illness or break down of a personal vehicle leaving a volunteer stranded)



It could be of course that volunteers are allowed use out of hours in recognition of their hard work, but if so KAR should make that fact known.



Anyone who uses a vehicle belonging to a Charity - on or off duty - should be aware that they are projecting the image of the charity and behave accordingly. To be drunk in charge is totally unacceptable.



I have several times seen the KAR vehicle parked in cirucmstances and places where it was unlikley to be on official business - I took the charitable view that perhaps someone had stopped off for instance to do some personal shopping on return from a call out. But I did wonder, and do so even more now

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:06

Seems to me that The original post is correct with their concerns. Leaving aside the "out of hours " question, If the driver was "pissed " there was a huge risk that an accident could happen and that the company vehicle would be out of action as a result (not to mention the driver etc,) and the work of the charity would be curtailed ! No winners there and donations gone to waste as well !

theparson


Joined: 28/05/2011
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:15

At least we know where we stand now that petsonstreet has made a formal complaint.

As per chance its the KAR AGM on Wednesday, and I will bring the subject up under aob. As a member of KAR I will push for the results of the investigation to be published to its members.

whittys


Joined: 21/03/2011
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:19

its called taking the pi55

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:19

No need for a witch hunt and a public humiliation . We all make mistakes and a private word in the right ear is often enough !

Spike


Joined: 05/07/2011
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:21

GinaC said: "Well done petsonstreet, I apologise for being cynical but sadly these type of 1st time posts all too often are just that."

Not the Ist time youve bullied someone making valid point eh Erolz? Sorry Gina.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 13:23

I really don't know what the world is coming to, you can't even go out in a works van (payed for by charity donations) get wrecked and stop off for some snap without someone reporting you, whatever next

theparson


Joined: 28/05/2011
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 14:36

Its all well and good to have a laugh about it cooper but, would it be so funny if the driver in question (assuming the allegation is true that is) killed a small child on the way home ?

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 14:52

Not at all theparson, but then again if that would have been the case i wouldn't have shared a bit of humour with you. lighten up )

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 15:27

There are some cases where people who are ill appear to be drunk.

Severe migraine, Meniere's Syndrome, diabetes are some examples.

Looks are sometimes deceptive so don't always assume a wobbly walk equates to inebriation.



If this person was drunk then why did no one stop her from driving instead of just watching?



Keep up the good work KAR. You remain one of my favoured charities along with the Children in Need foundation and TRNC Healthcare.

Trotsky


Joined: 30/08/2011
Posts: 51

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 15:29

Panchocat add to that sheer knackered fro doing work others could do but choose not to do.

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 15:55

Very true Mike, consider it added

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 17:09

I agree a witch hunt and public humiliation should be avoided.



As far as this incident is concerned KAR will I trust investigate, and pubish the results (ie drink, illness or misunderstanding) without naming names and action taken to prevent a recurrence. Not just to members but anyone who has made or is likely to make a donation.



Similarly they should publish their policy with regard to personal use of an official vehicle - this has been queried before this particular incident was reported.



People's motives for helping charities are varied, and it in is the interests of the genuine dedicated hard workers as well as those who support financially that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 17:34

In my younger days I drove a works vehicle as a sales rep. The company employed 5 sales people and we all had individual vehicles. The company paid, serviced, taxed and gave us a "pence per mile" for fuel. Any fuel used for private purposes came out of our pocket. They were also good enough to allow us to use them for holidays and weekends away in the UK. There was only major condition; whilst driving the vehicle we were representing the company and ANY behaviour deemed to be poor would lead to immediate dismissal.

Of my 4 colleagues, 3 were sacked for breaching this rule. One for drink driving and caught by the police, a second for causing an accident to happen and failing to stop and the third for driving the car at Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire in time trials. The last 2 were after a phone call and a letter was written to the company.

For anyone that drives a marked vehicle.....Don't do anything stupid. This KAR representive was obviously stupid as was seen by 2 witnesses.

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 19:40

Or ill timothy!

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 20:44

Post removed , insensitive and uncalled for ....... Simbas

TRNCvictim


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 1417

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 20:53

philbailey (mess 37)



That was in rather poor taste! I think the man has suffered enough don't you?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 21:13

@ msg 38, TRNCvictim: (...) That was in rather poor taste! (...)



▶ To write in poor taste assumes that the man has any taste at all. May I suggest you read his contributions (from his profile)..? Taste..?!

It's complete nonsense from a UK based outsider, who has no idea about what's going on in TRNC. Stupid questions and remarks - and he never gets an answer to them.

How sad to show your interest in TRNC his way.

GinaC


Joined: 26/11/2010
Posts: 372

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 21:15

Message 27



'Not the Ist time youve bullied someone making valid point eh Erolz? Sorry Gina.'



s-PIKE



As per usual you investigation skills match your journalistic skills and totally miss the target, Erolz and I are not even the same sex and do not even know each other. You thinking that I am Erolz shows how your mind functions and your purpose on the forum. You have been rumbled again sPIKE over to you moderators to check myself and Erolz are not a single entity and deal with sPIKE as you deem fit.

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
02/09/2011 21:24

I whole heartly apologise to anyone offended

especially to the family of the guy

convicted and deported

My humour is a little different to others

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 00:20

BizziLizzi Msg 34



I read what say regarding KAR to give an explanation. From my past experience with them don't hold your breath.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 07:42

Msg 37 , edited for reason given

Simbas

bazzagirl


Joined: 09/05/2010
Posts: 525

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 10:50

If anyone is worried where their monies go when donating to charities such as Kar, why not buy dog or cat food instead at least you will be sure its going to the animals and not in someones pocket, just an idea x

Yilly


Joined: 02/11/2008
Posts: 46

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 12:25

Just to set the record straight I am the son of whome you are all talking about and I collected my mother from her friends house, as she went their after work, she called me when i had finneshed work to come and collect her as she did not want to drive the vehicle so drove the vehicle and got a pizza on the way home. MY MOTHER WAS NOT DRIVING THE VAN



the reason for driving after hours was so it could be collected in the morning.

EamonnMc


Joined: 18/06/2010
Posts: 1019

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 16:39

re msg 45



What have Msg 1 and Msg 6 got to say about this new info ?

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 16:42

Not a lot I expect, thats what I love about 44, judge and jury on duty 24/7.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 18:38

Bazaargirl: Personally I make sure at least two three or the stray animals get the food by giving it to them direct, as well as giving them a home, love , training and paying vets bills etc! They say they prefer it that way, but I realise not everyone can and my efforts are only a drop in the ocean.



Now this is hearsay and it is perhaps not quite fair to quote it, but I have heard that donations of food have been met by complaints it is the wrong kind and KAR would prefer money!



May be a misunderstanding , but there are so many worthy charities here and elswhere that is it difficult to know which to donate to,, and my money is hard enough earned I prefer to give it where there is openess (the buzz word I think is "accessibilty" ) about how it is spent and queries (even if provesdto be unfounded) are promply and clearly addressed.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 19:20

Ms. 48 You say "now this is hearsay and it is perhaps not quite fair to quote it" and then you went ahead an quoted it. Why did you do that? It was what it was i.e. hearsay, so why bother? Believe me KAR are more than grateful for anything they get, whether it be dog food from shops, left over food from a restaurant (uncooked chicken etc) or money. That isn't hearsay, it's fact and you can quote me!!! If you want to see where the money goes, then get up to the centre and see what happens there. Better still go to the AGM next week and see where the money goes by studying the annual accounts. Try multiplying your vets bills by x 300 or more and see where the money goes.



Don't just winge and quote "hearsay" ............ see for yourself.

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 19:55

So what do I do with the bagful of unwanted ladies clothes in my car now?

theparson


Joined: 28/05/2011
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 19:59

Spot on Tango....

Those who want to know and understand more then get along to the AGM.

Wednesday 7th Sept....Pia Bella Hotel......11.30am start.

If you are not already a member then heres a chance to join, and take part.

MsGarnet


Joined: 04/01/2009
Posts: 989

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 20:09

Whilst I am not saying any child would say whatever was necessary, to get their parent off the hook for drunk driving - it does seem odd that neither of the two people (individually, at separate times) who saw the lady in an inebriated state - neither of them saw the son, who one also assumes, is insured to drive the van? Did either of you two gentleman actually see the lady driving? (the devil, as always, is in the detail)!

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 20:14

My concern, for what it's worth, was being told that KAR don't publish their accounts and that the van(s) are paid for by the British RSPCA. Can anyone tell me the facts on this? If I've heard it I'm sure many others have.

rowan


Joined: 04/09/2008
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 20:16

come on flks, give KAR the chance to deal with this

Biggles


Joined: 14/06/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 20:44

I have read this blog with horror! Can Sigorta provide KAR with FOC insurance for their buildings and contents. This is part of us assisting the local community. To my knowledge, we do not insure the vehicles. However, if we did and the person who drove the van was drunk and she had an accident, the vehicle would not be insured. (being drunk whilst in charge of a motor vehicle, invalidate the insurance). If another vehicles was involved and the driver or passengers were injured, there would be no cover for medical expenses. This would greatly harm KAR and affect the future of the charity. This to my mind is far more important than someone who maybe does voluntary work, borrowing the vehicle to collect a take a way! It could be that their own vehicle is at the KAR headquarters for some reason or they are on night call. Again being pissed is a serious offence if you have to drive out to collect an animal during the night!

I am so shocked to read all of this!

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 21:11

I take your point Hector (particularly as other reasons prevented me substantiating the allegation) but surely it is better they such concerns be aired and the Charity concerned given the change to refute or explain, than festering, and passsed on by Chinese Whipers and perhpas exaggerated.



I pay vets bills out of my pension not publicaly donated money. And I do without things some people here take for granted to be able to afford them.



As for visiting the Centre or the AGM --- I will not publish my personal problems on a Board which anyone can read and with so many "unsympathic" (to be polite ) posters ------ but I only wish I could.



A lot of valid concerns about KAR have been expresssed on this thread. For the benefit of the many who contribute but cannot attend a mid-morning meeting (or are not experienced at reading accounts) perhaps KAR could address them on its Website contd..............................

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
03/09/2011 21:26

cont........................

or better still, open a question and answer section on the Website. This would be better for them than having people with genuine queries about the running of the Charity or concerns as to how their money is being spend, phoning and interrupting normal and perhaps urgent business. And before you ask, I have emailed in the past with some conerns and the replies have been evasive or unsatisfactory . If they have nothing to hide openness would be very much in their own interests.



Biggles raises a valid point - it is not just the "bag of unwanted clothes " or a few tins of dog food which is at stake if a Charity's reputation is at risk, it is the support of local businesses.

westender


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 328

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 13:34

Re message 53. The accounts are published, as a registered charity they have to. I am a member and have had a copy sent to me pre the AGM.

daisythedog


Joined: 17/07/2009
Posts: 73

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 19:26

Re message 53. westender is absolutely correct with her reply about the accounts. All members recieve a copy of them prior to the AGM, they are prepared and audited by a local accredited auditor as required by TRNC law.

Any member of the public who wishes to see them may visit the KAR office and view a current copy of the annual accounts as published.

in regard to the comment 'the van(s) are paid for by the British RSPCA' this is not really correct.

What is true to say is the only very first van that KAR acquired about 11 years ago was donated via funding from the RSPCA. but that is the total involvement of that society. KAR have maintained and paid for the costs of this van since its arrival.

It is not in fact even the vehicle in question in this thread.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 20:04

Those in greenhouses..............................................

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 21:18

Grow very nice plants

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 21:31

Msg.53 Why do you and others on this Forum resort to chinese whispers, innuendo and downright misinformation? Are none of you capable of obtaining facts for yourselves instead of endless "hearsay". As one of the few genuine Registered Charities in the KKTC, they have by law to produce full audited accounts which are handed out at the AGM. The RSPCA van is years old and is just about knackered but without it how could they transport sick and injured animals to and from VETS etc. I bet if you people had a problem it would "oh ring KAR they'll deal with it" I would just love to see how you wingers would cope if KAR had to fold because of lack of funds.

nelson


Joined: 04/09/2011
Posts: 17

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 21:32

To all you animal lovers who say you will stop putting your money or food or clothes to help the animals in the care of KAR "shame on you" It is not the dogs, puppies and cats fault that some of you seem to be on a witch hunt. Just because a girl made an "unfounded as yet" silly mistake in her own time should you make the animals suffer. She obviously loves the annimals in her care dearly otherwise she would not be doing the job ! I know that all the volunteers who work in the shop, do supermarket begs, events, Lambousa, the people that work up at the centre, the ladies that go around the schools educating the children on animal care and countless other volunteers who collect from collection boxes etc would be horrified at the thought of people giving up on the animals in their care. Please refocus on the animals KAR have tried to save and are still saving, some of you obviously dont understand exactly what KAR are achieving and are still trying to achieve. So please help them.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 21:36

nelson,



Well said..Come on folks its not the dogs fault, These poor dogs are living up the center and some have no hope of finding a loving home.Very sad indeed !





Spider,X

ranger5


Joined: 29/03/2011
Posts: 151

Message Posted:
04/09/2011 21:55

Nelson, what a great first post. Thank you for reminding us to focus on what KAR is all about - the animals!!!

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
05/09/2011 14:21

As a life member of KAR I have just received this email:



Dear Members







Following a very serious allegation made against one of KAR’s employees on Cyprus 44 the Executive Committee would like to assure everyone that a full investigation is taking place. Each employee, have Disciplinary Procedures attached to their Contract of Employment and these procedures will be followed once the investigation has been completed.



The Executive Committee members are extremely upset that the actions on one employee should cause so much public discussion.



Please be assured that any misconduct by a KAR employee are all dealt with as a mater of course and in a fair but disciplinary manner.







Yours sincerely



For and on behalf of



KYRENIA ANIMAL RESCUE







Margaret Ray (Chairperson)

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
05/09/2011 16:33

As a Life Member, I to have just received the Email from Margaret Ray, the Chairperson. Let the matter drop, be assured it will be dealt with in the correct manner. In the meantime, concentrate on what the Volunteers do day after day after day amd what the Centre Staff do day after day after day. Do you fancy "shoveling shit" year after year? NO I think not!!...................don't be so judgemental. It will be sorted after a proper enquiry and NOT a Kangaroo Court started by Msg.1



Tango1

dynamicduo


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 66

Message Posted:
06/09/2011 15:35

Dont let this get swept under the K. A. R. carpet, by doing so it will have an adverse affect on many future donations to this worthy charity. Was the person in charge of the vehicle a voluntary worker or someone on a salary? and is this the first time a report of this nature has been received? I hope this matter will be raised at the AGM at the Pia Bella tomorrow 07/09/11 be there if you can.