A pilot scheme for vending machines that donate has been given the go ahead for a nationwide roll-out in retailers.

CharityPodz is aimed at children, who can purchase toys from specially designed vending machines, creating a donation to the retailer’s chosen charity and credited directly into the charity bank account, cutting out any administration costs.

The machines are branded with the chosen charity’s logo, which serves as effective in-store promotion. The Children’s Hospital Charity is the first charity to sign up to the concept and retail brand Matalan one of the first retailers to install the CharityPodz machines in its stores.

Parents and children purchasing the toys are encouraged to make the link between buying something for their own joy and sharing goodwill to someone else through the transaction. The aim of the project is to raise over £3m in annual donations to UK charities.

Participating charities currently include NSPCC, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Share Story: