The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, which raises vital funds to invest in innovative homelessness prevention projects, has been installing the devices across the city region enabling the public to give £3 contactlessly.
The charity’s patron, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, backed the scheme as he made his regular monthly donation of 15% of his salary.
In addition, the charity has partnered with digital media company JCDecaux UK to put a donate call to action across 17 digital Communication Hubs in Manchester City Centre, which also provide on-street defibrillators, accessible payphones and free charging points. JCDecaux UK is already a lead supporter of the charity, providing significant support to fund social impact initiatives.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“I am thrilled to see this scheme rolled out which will hopefully ‘tap’ into the generosity of both businesses and the public across Greater Manchester. With autumn and winter on the way we are making sure services are prepared, but even a small donation of £3 can help ensure charities are also ready to respond. I continue to donate 15% of my salary to the charity and I urge you to do whatever you can to help tackle rough sleeping and homelessness across the city region.”.
Phil Drye, Chief Commercial Development Officer at JCDecaux UK said;
“We are delighted to bring this important message to the city centre, using our digital Communication Hubs to reach people out and about in Manchester. These Communication Hubs are part of the community and provide a range of public services that are funded by advertising, including life-saving defibrillators and public messaging. We look forward to developing further campaigns with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to support their vital work tackling homelessness.”
The charity is calling on companies to get involved by helping to sponsor the roll out of the devices across the city region as well as for host venues to get in touch and be part of the scheme – joining iconic locations such as The Trafford Centre
Zoe Inman, Centre Director at The Trafford Centre, said:
“We’re delighted to be involved in the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity initiative to help do our part in tackling homelessness across our region. We’ve installed a contactless donation point in our bus station, where customers can simply tap their card to donate a set amount of £3. Together, we can make a huge difference to those who need support.”
Vanessa Haworth, Head of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity comments:
She adds; “We are hugely grateful to our existing supporters and sponsors who have helped us roll out these devices so far. We’re on a mission to achieve real change within the homelessness system right across our city region, but we cannot do it without the support of companies, businesses and the generous Greater Manchester public
Funds raised will enable the charity to make a tangible difference to reduce and prevent homelessness across Greater Manchester.
Those wishing to support can also pledge online at – www.gmmayorscharity.org.uk
