5. Refusing a Charity’s Request Assume that you are the manager of the Grand Dome Resort at Grand Beach Manitoba. Today you received a letter from Ivan Burlakow, director of the Manitoba Philanthropic Society, a prominent charity. He wants to use the resort as a site for his group’s charity telethon.

He sent the letter that appears on the following page.

You have a high regard for the Manitoba Philanthropic Society and for Mr. Burlakow.You cannot meet his request though. It is impractical for you to reopen your resort in the off-season simply to offer his group a giveaway, even if it is tax deductible. You are willing to give a reasonable donation or discount to a worthy cause, but Burlakow is asking for too much.

Write a tactful letter replying to him. You may use any of the information below to assist you, but you do not have to use all of it.

■ The resort closes between September 31 and May 1 each year.

■ Only a few maintenance workers remain during the winter.

■ All seasonal kitchen and cleaning staff are laid off.

■ It would cost too much to rehire workers for two or three days.

■ Last year Burlakow was inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt for his many years of charitable work, an award you felt he richly deserved.

■ No food is left in the resort over the winter.

■ Water in the resort is turned off in winter and access roads are not plowed.