Contactless donations for Meaningful Change

Contactless technology is now available in Stratford-upon-Avon to make donations to support homeless people and those at risk of homelessness in the area.

The new contactless giving points provided by 'Goodbox' will enable centralised fundraising in Stratford town centre, as part of the *Meaningful Change campaign. 

It is hoped the initiative will make it easier for people to donate money for those who are homeless, and enable organisations working with vulnerable people to use the funding to help make a meaningful change.  The initiative provides a simple and effective way to raise funds so organisations working with vulnerable individuals can support them to change their lives in a meaningful way.

Funding donated through the scheme is being managed by Stratford Town Trust and Fred Winter Centre.  All money raised will be distributed between local organisations, for local individuals, focussing financial support to help to positively change the lives of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The contactless giving points are currently located at the Visitor Information Centre at Bridgeway and HR Coffee Bar on Windsor Street in the town centre, with organisers looking for more businesses to join the scheme.

Cllr Christopher Kettle, Community Protection Portfolio Holder at Stratford District Council said: "Residents and visitors will always find it a concern to see people begging on the streets of our towns and, for many, their natural instructs are to give to help support them. But there is often a nagging doubt as to where the money goes and what it is used for.

"As contactless payments increase, and especially now when many people now prefer not to use cash, the Meaningful Change programme allows people with or without cash to give to support those on the street whilst ensuring that their donation is used to directly benefit and support those people, without the concern as to what the money might be used for.

"Meaningful Change, is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society support those who need our help to come off the streets with targeted help to address their individual needs. Fundamentally, it is about the person and it will be different for everyone.

"As the scheme develops, we would very much hope more business will become involved and we look forward to welcoming them coming on board to help support the Meaningful Change campaign."

For those businesses which would like to join and support the scheme or to find out more information please contact Jenny Logan at Stratford District Council - jenny.logan@stratford-dc.gov.uk.

The Meaningful Change campaign is also supported by Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, who added: "This is a great way for the public to help support the initiatives in Stratford which are working with people who are already homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

"With contactless donation now available, it is now easier than ever to help those who really need it while at the same time ensuring well-meaning citizens are not inadvertently helping to sustain damaging lifestyles.

"Meaningful Change is also a great way for businesses too to make a difference for vulnerable people in the community, so I hope many more across the town will sign up to become a donation point."

Donations can also be made through the website www.meaningfulchange.org.uk via VirginGiving. The website provides a central point for information about all the local charities involved with Meaningful Change and highlights ways in which the public can help through volunteering or donating items or money.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough and want to know more about homeless provision and support services in Stratford-on-Avon District, please visit: www.meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford/ and see how you can help. #MeaningfulChangeSoA

*Meaningful Change is a multi-agency campaign aimed at helping to positively change the lives of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Stratford-upon-Avon.