Tap to Donate Scheme Extended

Living Magazines tap to donate metro bank

Following its launch last year, the tap to donate scheme has been extended to a second location in Hemel Hempstead town centre. The scheme, which is run by Dacorum Borough Council in partnership with Hemel Hempstead Business Improvement District (BID), enables shoppers to support local homelessness charities by making a donation at a contactless payment point.

The two donation points, located opposite Poundland and freshly installed inside Metro Bank in Marlowes Shopping Centre, allow shoppers to make a £3.00 donation using a contactless payment card or device. All donations go towards supporting the work of charities, including DENS and the Salvation Army.

By giving to local homelessness charities rather than directly to people who ask for money on the street, shoppers can be confident that their donation will make a positive, long-term difference.

Since its launch, the scheme has raised much needed funds for current charity DENS, who provide support to people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

Cllr Margaret Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Cllr Julie Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services said: ‘We are delighted to have expanded the tap to donate scheme to a second location in Hemel Hempstead town centre. The payment points allow shoppers and visitors to the town to make a donation easily and securely, helping to support the invaluable work of our wonderful local homelessness charities.’

Humphrey Mwanza, Hemel Hempstead BID Director said: ‘Having an additional tap and give unit located within Metro Bank is fantastic and provides a simple and effective way to support local charities, and ensure that people can give responsibly knowing that their donation really will make a difference.’

Fran Martin, Head of Fundraising and Communications at DENS said: ‘DENS is thrilled and most grateful to be the beneficiary of this great initiative by DBC and BID. Our thanks also go to Marlowes Shopping Centre and Metro Bank who generously allowed this second tap to donate station to be placed in their premises.

‘£3 could pay for a meal and a hot drink for a vulnerable person staying the night in our emergency crash pad facility at The Elms, our 44-bed hostel. So we would encourage the community to tap to donate as they shop in the town, and help rebuild the lives of local people facing homelessness.’