After filling my car up recently at a Caltex petrol station, I was given a heart-shaped piece of promotional literature along with my receipt.
On the front a cute little puppy was looking hopefully at the recipient.
'True love is hard to find. But a partner you can lean on is even more special,' ventured the marketing literature. I assumed Caltex was being a responsible corporate citizen by helping Hong Kong's homeless hounds, perhaps by donating a few dollars for our repeat business. However, they were merely offering 'free' neck cushions if a certain amount of petrol was consumed.
Surely it is time such cheap, insensitive and inane marketing tricks were replaced by constructive, charitable campaigns. Each pillow must cost Caltex more than a few dollars. I would certainly return to a vendor that truly acted with the community, or its dependents, in its heart.
THOMAS TADGER
Jardine's Lookout