As the holiday season approaches, firefighters and postal workers sell 2025 calendars featuring delightful imagery to raise funds. Contributions typically start at 10 euros, with many donating around 20 euros or more to support community initiatives. While these sales help fund local events, caution is advised as door-to-door sales are not officially regulated. It’s essential to verify the identity of sellers to avoid potential scams.
Holiday Season Fundraising: Supporting Firefighters and Postal Workers
As the festive season draws near, it’s common to see firefighters and postal workers at your doorstep, offering their 2025 calendars for sale. These calendars often feature charming images of kittens, puppies, serene landscapes, or heroic firefighting scenes.
Purchasing these calendars not only supports these vital professions but also acknowledges the dedication they bring to their work. While individuals have the freedom to choose how much to contribute, many people in France tend to give a minimum of 10 euros. Offering less than this may not even cover their production costs, considering the time and effort they invest in selling these calendars, often after their regular working hours.
How Much Should You Contribute?
Many people opt to give around 20 euros, as highlighted by a user named Corinne on social media. She expresses her gratitude for the firefighters’ assistance during critical situations, stating, “I always give at least 20 euros when the calendar comes out.” There are even individuals who contribute as much as 50 euros, emphasizing the value of the service received.
The funds collected by firefighters typically go towards supporting their social initiatives, helping to organize community events such as the Saint Barbara celebrations, balls on July 14th, the Telethon, open house days, and youth firefighter programs. These activities also promote firefighter music, history, and conservation efforts.
However, opinions vary on contributions. Some readers shared that they stick to giving around 10 euros, often citing tradition as their motivation. Others, like “Nono,” prefer to contribute more generously to specific professions, like garbage collectors, while being less inclined to donate to others.
Be Aware of Potential Scams
It’s important to note that the sale of calendars door-to-door is not officially regulated. According to the Seine-et-Marne prefecture, this practice falls under common law, meaning no specific permits are issued for such sales.
While firefighters and postal workers typically distribute calendars in uniform and carry their professional identification, it’s wise to remain cautious. Occasionally, garbage collectors may also sell calendars, although this is becoming less common due to restrictions in some municipalities, like Paris, which banned the practice in 1955. Notably, police officers and gendarmes do not engage in calendar sales.
To avoid scams, always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent these professions by asking to see their professional card. If you have any doubts, consider reaching out to your local town hall for confirmation about authorized individuals. In case you feel threatened, don’t hesitate to call the authorities.