City gets first Giving Machine

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 19, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad People were able to use the giving machine to donate to local charity organizations on Friday afternoon at Park Place Mall.

The Christmas season is fast approaching and is a time where people get into the spirt of both giving and receiving.

For the first time in Lethbridge, people can give through a World Giving Machine – a vending machine of giving.

Giving machines work as a vending machine, with things such as haircuts, bedding, coats, but instead of the recipient receiving these items, the money donated go to purchasing these items on behalf of charity organizations.

Giving machines began in 2017 as part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Light the World campaign and are now located in 106 cities worldwide.

Since their origin, Giving Machines have received over $32 million USD in donations.

Many of the donations received from the Lethbridge location will stay local, benefiting charities such as the YWCA, McMahon Youth Services, Lethbridge Family Services, Woods Homes and Streets Alive.

Ryan Wolfe, a volunteer for the Giving Machine in Lethbridge, says he was very excited to hear Lethbridge was getting one and it is a perfect fit for the charitable people of the city.

“Lethbridge is a great community. We’re known to be charitable and kind and giving, so I think that Giving Machines just make sense here,” said Wolfe.

Wolfe adds the Giving Machine is a great family activity and a way to teach children the spirit of giving.

Lethbridge is one of 106 cities on five continents chosen to be part of the campaign.

All operating costs are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and since 2017, contributions have amounted to more than $32 million.

“It’s wonderful for the kids to come and have a tangible, tactile way to donate and they really get a kick out of it,” said Wolfe.

The giving machine is located in Park Place Mall and will be open until Dec. 4.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting was held on Saturday at the mall with hundreds of people in attendance including dignitaries as well as community and church leaders.

According to information supplied by the Church, “every machine includes cards representing goods and services that participating nonprofit organizations have requested. Donors review the cards and select those they wish to purchase. After payment is complete, the cards drop into a sealed collection bin at the bottom of the machine. Participating organizations receive an itemized summary and a check for 100 per cent of the donated funds.”