Leeds

New tap-to-donate smart posters to help those sleeping on the streets in Leeds

To tackle homelessness and change the lives of those living on the streets of Leeds, new smart 'tap to donate' posters have been set up around the city centre.

Sophie Smith - 9th December 2021

Multiple 'tap-to-donate' units have being installed in Leeds city centre to raise money for those in need.

Leeds-based fundraising campaign Making Better has launched this week, with the aim of improving the lives of people in need on the streets of Leeds.

As part of the launch, 'tap-to-donate' units are being installed in the city to improve donation accessibility, as well as raising support and awareness for the new campaign.

The units will allow people to make direct donations by simply tapping their card on the machine, just as you would when making a contactless transaction in a store or restaurant.

This is an easy way to raise funds for a range of local charitable organisations operating across the city centre to support vulnerable individuals and has become increasingly popular in recent years.

So far, plans to rollout four donation units have been approved at Leeds Station, Tesco Briggate and Bond Street, and Wilko sites, and all should be installed over the week.

Money raised through the 'tap-to-donate' installations will go towards providing essential everyday items to those living on the streets of Leeds and any assistance they may need.

This will be done by supporting existing local charities working hard every day to tackle homelessness and social disconnection on the streets of the city centre. By connecting resources and enabling people to donate to those in genuine need, the campaign seeks to improve lives, communities and futures.

Making Better comes after the success of 2018’s Big Change Leeds campaign, which saw LeedsBID working with Safer Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation to raise almost £80,000 for people in need.

Karen Butler, Head of Place Management and Delivery at LeedsBID, the campaign organisers, said:

“Rough sleeping, homelessness and street activities are increasing issues in Leeds. Making Better gives those experiencing or at risk of a life on the street the support they need to move towards a better and safer future.

"It also helps manage the challenges these things present to those living, working and visiting the city centre. Providing additional funds to existing charities helps make sure the support goes to those who require it and is tailored to those individuals’ needs.”

Making Better tap to donate units can be found at:

Leeds Train Station: New Station Street, located in the window of the unit adjacent to Pret a Manger

Tesco Bond Street: inside the store, by the Community Board at the end of the tills

Tesco Briggate: located in the window facing Briggate, to the left of the entrance

Wilko, Albion Street: located in the window to the left of the main entrance

To find out more information, including how you can help the Making Better campaign, visit their website.

Feature Image- Leeds BID