While the places offering free classes, discounts, etc., may not necessarily be exploiting folks, I'm skeptical about the offers. I doubt any home will be rebuilt/repaired in 6 months, so the IKEA offer (while nice) smacks of showmanship. Yoga classes? How many and for how long? This ordeal for the families certainly won't have them back to normal in a couple of classes. And seriously, folks, donating "gently used" clothing? :faint:
I couldn't vote for exploiting but my gut tells me there's more self-promotion than altruism involved.
The old adage 'buyer beware' immediately comes to mind. But that would be on any discounts, free classes, etc.
Overall I think it is nice of them to do it. The businesses gain advertising but are also providing a discount, something they don't really have to do. Most want to do something.
bumper sticker - honk if you will pay my mortgage
"The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." attributed to Margaret Thatcher
"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson
Sorry but in my view, and I saw one in the north for fire, that was so obvious. I would say it would look less tacky if they gave money or a really deep discount. I am guessing IKEA was still getting or coming out even and getting or getting a small profit (retail generally has a 50% profit margin) so if they are getting publicity out of it then I think it is exploitation. Just give some money or give a really good discount and give the items at cost or lower. I was not impressed with the 30%.
