For the first time in Australia, donations to The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal can be made at ‘tap and go’ donation points, due to a partnership with Bendigo Bank devices, Community Sector Banking and Quest Payment Systems.

More than 540 Quest Donation Point Tap devices will be positioned across Australia, allowing for easy, hassle-free and safer giving to this year’s Red Shield Appeal – which has been running for more than 50 years, and culminates in the Door knock Weekend on 27 and 28 May.

It’s reportedly the first time that Donation Point Tap has been used to this scale by the not-for-profit sector in Australia. Over coming weeks, Red Doors embedded with ‘tap and go’ technology will appear in Woolworths and Bunnings stores nationally.

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $8 million over the weekend, through Donation Point Tap and 60,000 volunteer collectors.

“What a wonderful way of using technology to give hope to people suffering injustice and hardship. This first of its kind initiative allows for easier giving so more goes to the people who really need it – the countless thousands who go hungry, have nowhere to sleep, or need shelter from abuse every night in Australia,” said Andrew Cairns, CEO Community Sector Banking.

“Through the agility and capability of the Bendigo Bank, we have turned this idea into reality in a short space of time – leveraging our partnership with Quest Payment Systems, assisting with merchant facilities and helping place over 540 Donation Point Tap devices across the country.

“Donation Point Tap has the potential to change the game for Australia’s not-for-profits, providing more effective and meaningful donation opportunities at high traffic public collection points – like shopping centres and sporting events.”

Managing Director of Bendigo Bank, Mike Hirst said, “This is a great example of technology helping to innovate fundraising. We are proud to support the Red Shield Appeal and the Salvation Army through this partnership.”