The Rotary Club of Gibsons has launched a pilot project in Gibsons that will bring a new approach to the club’s fundraising – Touchless Giving Stations. The new technology, developed by Ontario-based tiptappay, is being installed at six retail locations in Gibsons.
Each of the six units functions as an autonomous and contactless payment system that allows the user to donate a predetermined amount with a simple tap of a credit or debit card, or a mobile device.
The technology is making its Canadian rollout with the project in Gibsons. Two designs are available: a small countertop model and a floor model. Several national non-profits are also part of the national launch.
“We’ve been exploring new ways to fundraise,” said club president Chris Wolfe. “The COVID-19 pandemic gave us the perfect opportunity to launch this new payment system. Since our food banks cannot accept food donations at this time, these Touchless Giving Stations make giving a monetary donation easy, safe, and secure.”
The payment processor works exactly like the tap to pay that’s become a common feature at cash registers. Just tap on the predetermined donation amount – either $5, $10 or $20 – and a beep and flashing light confirm the transaction. The donation shows up on your statement as Gibsons Rotary Club. The funds are then distributed to the St. Bart’s and Salvation Army food banks in Gibsons.
“Social distancing makes it more challenging to explain how they operate,” said Rotarian Anne Doyle. “But once people see how it works, they’re more than happy to tap a donation and help support our community.”
Currently the Touchless Giving Stations are available at SuperValu, London Drugs, The Butcher, Blackfish Liquor Store, and IGA. The club will expand the project to include additional retail locations and food banks across the Sunshine Coast over the next few months.
The Gibsons Rotary Club has been busy with projects to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month they launched the Fly the Flag for Frontline Workers campaign. They are also distributing hippo water rollers to several communities in South Africa to help combat the coronavirus.
– Submitted
