February is Heart and Stroke Month. It is a month where volunteers will be canvassing door-to-door to raise money for research and health promotion.

I know that it is annoying to be disturbed at your home and asked to donate money. After all there are thousands of worthy causes out there. Before you slam the door, turn off your lights, or hide I want you to consider a few things.

1) Official Heart and Stroke canvassers will have a kit with receipts, pamphlets with information, and a badge identifying themselves.
2) These people are donating their time so you can donate your money
3) These people do not get paid for this in anyway
4) All the money goes to the Heart and Stroke Foundation
5) It is cold outside in February
6) These people are trying to make a difference and fight for a cause they believe in. Many of them will have been touched personally by Heart Attacks or Strokes.

I want you to consider these things if and when you get that knock on the door. I also want to let you know that I have been a loyal volunteer for the past several years, and it just might be me knocking. I know what it is like to be on both sides of the door for these visits.

Here are a few things you can do to make this process easier

1) If you wish not to be disturbed please put a sign on your door or mailbox that reads “No solicitors.” If I, or other volunteers see this sign, we will not knock on your door.
2) If you don’t have money, be polite and say, “Sorry, not at this time.”
3) It is not about how much you donate. You can donate a quarter, a dollar, or twenty dollars. It is up to you.

I have met some very rude people on my canvassing routes. It is really frustrating coming across people that turn off their lights and hide from you. It is annoying to be cut off and not listened to. We are just there trying to make a difference.

One more thing to think about – Imagine what a difference you could make if you gave every charity that came to your door a quarter. Doesn’t seem like much does it? But every house times twenty-five cents would really add up and make a huge difference.

Just think about it, okay? Thanks!