Residents advised, be cautious of hospice scam

LAFAYETTE - Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. has been notified that elderly citizens in Acadiana are being targeted and harassed on the telephone asking for donations in the name of hospice.
Hospice wishes to clarify to the community that Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. is the ONLY non profit hospice provider in Acadiana. They do not solicit donations over the phone in the name of hospice. The organization does have fundraisers throughout the year with the foundation, Hospice Foundation of Acadiana.
There is a Televent in June, a mail out in late summer, and a plant sale in December, along with other small fundraisers are the only events held annually. They also help with initiatives of United Way.
Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. is a member of the Better Business Bureau and practices sound and respectful forms of fundraising. HOA received the Non Profit of the Year award by the Better Business Bureau for the second time in 2009.
Check out the solicitation for accountability and ethical practices for philanthropic organizations and businesses with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org. If you need more information, please contact Toni Rios with Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. if you have any questions at 337.237.1332, ext. 3736.