Loblaw is issuing an apology after several customers were unknowingly charged for charity donations during checkout — a mistake the company now attributes to a system glitch and human error.
The issue came to light when Kirk Bennett, a shopper at a Maxi grocery store in Dorval, Quebec, noticed an unexpected charge of 62 cents on his receipt labeled “PC CHARITY.” According to Bennett, the cashier never asked if he wanted to contribute to any fundraising campaign. “We were kind of dismayed at that,” he said. “We thought at least they should ask.”
Although the amount was small, Bennett emphasized that the principle of consent was more important. And he’s not alone — other customers in the Montreal area, including one at a Maxi in Lachine, reported similar experiences. While most shoppers interviewed said they were always asked before being charged, a few incidents of unexplained donations have sparked frustration and questions.
Screenshots of receipts showing unapproved donations began circulating on social media, with users pointing out that while the charges are minor, they could cumulatively amount to a significant sum. A receipt from a store in LaSalle showed a six-cent donation without any prior consent, further fueling concerns.
In response, Loblaw, which owns the Maxi chain, acknowledged in a written statement that some shoppers were mistakenly charged during its current fundraising drive for President’s Choice Children’s Charity. The company attributed the error to a technical glitch and inconsistent employee training. “We immediately fixed the issue, retrained our store teams and corrected the process,” the company stated, urging affected customers to contact their service team for refunds if one was not already processed.
Consumer protection advocates have also weighed in. Sylvie de Bellefeuille, a lawyer with the nonprofit Option consommateurs, emphasized that stores are not legally allowed to charge beyond the advertised price unless it’s clearly communicated. She advised customers to speak directly with store managers and, if necessary, report incidents to Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur. In some cases, customers could even consider taking their complaints to small claims court.
While Loblaw maintains the incidents were isolated, the controversy has left a sour taste for some shoppers. Bennett said he’s now double-checking every receipt and thinking twice about where he shops. “We will always watch our bill very closely at Maxi,” he added.
The incident has sparked broader discussion about consumer rights and transparency, especially as retailers continue to engage in charitable fundraising at the checkout counter.