The UK’s first charity donation vending machines have been installed in Manchester this Christmas.
Christmas shoppers can donate money to charity through the city’s first charity vending machines.
The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O’Neal, cut the ribbon to open the machines to the public.
Dr O’Neal said: “It is a fantastic and unique idea to donate to charity through vending machines.”
The machines stock donation cards from different charities – people can choose to donate £3 for a mosquito net right up to £400 for an emergency humanitarian shelter.
He said: “It gives the generous customers a real choice how, and where, their hard-earned money is spent.”
Local charity Francis House Children’s Hospice is represented in the machines.
Donations to the charity include anything from a £5 donation of arts and crafts material to a £105 donation for three sessions of bereavement support.
It provides respite care for young people with life-limiting illnesses and supports the families of the young people.
Leslie and Matt Edwards were among the first to donate to the Spinningfields machines and were helped by the charity after their daughter passed away.
Leslie said: “They provided help for us when we needed it most, and we will be forever grateful to them for all they did.”
The Light the World machines were brought to the UK by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as part of their annual Light the World Christmas initiative.
However, the donation cards support multiple charities including Muslim Aid, ShelterBox, FareShare and many more.
Through the initiative more than 100 machines will be installed across 15 countries.
Elder Mark Dundon, a senior ecclesiastical leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: “These simple acts of kindness go a long way, and we are here for no other reason than to light the world and do good.”
The machines can be found in Spinningfields Square until the 27th December and all money goes directly to the chosen charities.
Image credits: Mark Waugh
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