Non-profit organisations have had to take their fundraising efforts elsewhere because management has either rejected their application or placed so many restrictions on what they can and can’t do that it is not worth it.

Singleton’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service volunteer support group received a phone call this week from Macquarie CountryWide Trust informing them that they would not be able to sell raffle tickets in the mall.

Support group vice chairperson Val Scott explained to The Singleton Argus that she was disgusted that only a week before they were to start selling tickets they were told they could not.

“When asked why, the only reason given was because ‘we are a charity’,” she said.

“We were told at the beginning of the year that we could be positioned in front of Woolworths.

“All we have is a card table and two chairs.”

Macquarie CountryWide trust were asked to provide comment on the situation but did not get back to The Singleton Argus in time to meet publication deadlines.

This is not the only non-profit registered charity that has had their booking at the centre changed.

Lions Club of Singleton were also informed that they would not be able to position their annual toy Christmas trailer in the centre and could only have a stall outside and only on Saturdays and Sundays.

President Mick McCrone said previously they were able to leave their trailer in the centre over night and be there five days a week.

“This year we have a table outside and are using a photo of prizes, as there is no way we could have brought the trailer in every time,” he explained.

“Sales have indicated that we will get no where near what we have received in the past.”

The Rotary Club of Singleton also had restrictions placed on their cubby house raffle, being told they could only use a photo of the play house and not actually place it in the centre.

“We were also told that we could only be there for one week,” explained club president Adrian Garton.