Thanks Marie, most intelligent, honest and constructive advice I've read sofar

sadly a lot of people are exempt ... including charities and opinion poles etc.   As well as anyone you had dealings with or asked for information in the past 2 years, and newspapers I think.

called me as well.  looks like it's the Ontario Association for Community Living.  Didn't leave a message here either. Might be soliciting donations.

these bugger are calling us everyday. It is annoying that no one is taking actions

I called to have my number removed from their list, and would you believe it?  It goes straight to voicemail, and the damn thing is full!  Looks like there are a lot of people looking to be removed!

I am trying to decide if you are sarcastic or not.... keep doing it this way?  they call and do not leave messages, and many report getting dead air ... this is not the way to get donations ... they are not doing their charity any favours by calling 5 times a day just to harrass people by making them run for a phone and then  no one talks to them

I got a cold call from the CF people in the summer looking for donations .. when I answered the phone, I had a polite person explain what they were doing etc., and I told them to send a truck over ... I emptied my basement and garage of items I had been hanging onto for years .... I would deal with them again simply because they had their name on the display;  talked to me when I answered;  were courteous, and have not called me since then, which I assume means that they realise that they should wait about a year to see if I accumulated more unwanted items.  They also provided their business card when they stopped by with their phone number and web site so I can contact them .... this is how you collect items for a charity ... well done CF :)