How interesting to read that a blog complaining about being addressed by a charity as “dear friend” has been quoted in a national publication.  I have never been offended by any approach from a charity.  Of course, I have frequently questioned various aspects of their appeals; inducements obviously and the too numerous pieces of paper which frequently fall out of the envelope.  But it seems to me that the only way to judge a charity appeal is to ask two questions.  Is the charity fulfilling a necessary purpose? And is it a purpose that I feel sufficiently strongly about to support?  Why be offended about trivialities.  In the wider context Quakers, members of the Society of Friends always address each other as friend and Quakers are some of the nicest people I know.  On the other hand John McCain frequently begins his speeches with the words “my friends”.  If I were American I am certain that I would be Democrat so McCain’s approach might put me off.  Finally, I have been responsible at intervals over the last twenty years for four mailings for a particular charity.  I can report that the one which began “Dear Friend” was just as successful as the others.

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