A vending machine that enables people to donate to charity is returning to Logan for the third time.
The first Giving Machine in Australia was trialled at the Hyperdome in 2022, where in the first week more than $20,000 was raised.
Starting Wednesday, the “unique charity experience” that allows individuals to purchase an item for one of seven selected charities, will be returning to the Hyperdome.
Located outside Kmart, locals can purchase items from six local charities and one international, including: Blaze Aid, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Community Involvement Solutions, GIVIT, Rosie’s – Friends on the Street, Angel Flight and Unicef Australia.
Gifts in the machine range from $10-100 and include items such as bravery beads for children in hospital, reusable period products, school bags, aviation fuel and more.
A spokesperson from the Giving Machine organisation, Tahnee Bresil, said the machine was a unique charitable experience.
“It has been found that people want to give to charity, especially over the Christmas period, but are sometimes hesitant due to not knowing how their donation is going to be used,” Ms Bresil said.
“This is where The Giving Machine is different.
“Participants have the opportunity to choose the specific item they want to gift to a charity.”
The charities receive 100% of all donations.
Each item or service is represented by a card, which drops from the machine with every purchase.
The donor then has the option to scan a QR code to receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Each machine keeps a running tally of the items donated to each charity.
In early 2025, the donated funds are delivered to each charity along with the accounting of items chosen by donors.
These donations will be used and fulfilled over the next year by each charity.
Ms Bresil said community feedback showed the machine made donating to charity “an easy and fun experience”.
“We spend time choosing gifts for loved ones, now we can also spend the time choosing a gift that could completely change the life of a member of our community,” she said.
“There is a sense of joy and excitement as families and friends gather around the machine and make their selections.”
The machine will be running every day from 27 November to 27 December, excluding Christmas Day.
Volunteers will be at the machine to help answer questions about the initiative.
