Glasgow unveils contactless giving
Last updated 3rd Mar 2020
Glasgow's installing contactless card donation points to help raise money for vulnerable people who otherwise are forced to beg on the streets.
It is hoped more businesses will sign up to expand the Street Change Glasgow network - based on a similar scheme in Manchester - across the city centre.
Three of the points will be based in Glasgow Central railway station and two others will be in music venues.
Businesses, Glasgow City Council, third-sector organisations and Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP) have teamed up with Simon Community Scotland to launch the new alternative giving scheme.
Lorraine McGrath, chief executive of the homelessness charity, said: "We are constantly working to find new ways to reach, respond and resolve the kind of desperation that drives someone to street beg.
"Street Change Glasgow provides one such new way for us to reach and bring new options for people to assist them to move away from the harms that result from street begging.
"We are delighted and privileged to host the initiative and bring all of our expertise in responding to the most extreme vulnerabilities of those caught up in all forms of street lifestyles.
"We know from direct experience what difference having access targeted funds can make in bring change for even the most chronic and concerning circumstances, working person by person to find what works for them.''
Money from the fund will be used to pay for items such as travel to or clothing for job interviews, provide tools or protective clothing required to take up a job offer or continue employment or to help people access training.
Glasgow's Lord Provost's Fund has donated £10,000 towards the initiative with CGI, the council's IT provider, paying for the points.
Former Old Firm stars Mark Hateley and Tosh McKinlay helped launch the points at Glasgow Central station on Tuesday.
Drew Burns, Network Rail's station manager, said: "Over 40 million customers pass through Glasgow Central every year and they are always quick to support the charity initiatives we host in the station.
"The Street Change Glasgow project will give passengers another option for donating to help the city's most vulnerable residents and we are pleased to be part of it.''
The Garage and Cathouse nightclubs are also supporting the scheme, with a raffle by Best Bar None Glasgow raising almost £4,500 for the fund.
Brian Fulton, owner and director of Hold Fast Entertainment, which runs both music venues, said: "We hope Street Change Glasgow will make a real difference to vulnerable people's lives.
"It is an innovative concept and I'm sure the contactless donation points will be popular with our customers.
"Many young people don't carry cash these days but still want to do their bit to help people who are less fortunate so contactless donations will appeal to them.''