ALONE launches Ireland’s first contactless collection boxes

ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, today launched Ireland’s first contactless collection boxes for the Christmas period. The boxes will be in The Butler’s Pantry’s ten shops from the end of November until January 2017.  Ireland’s most famous duo Jedward joined today’s launch and called on the public to ‘tap to give’ and support older people this Christmas.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, commented, “We have partnered with All Points Payments and The Butler’s Pantry to be the first charity to roll out contactless collection boxes in Ireland. The initiative is designed to allow people who do not carry cash to give money, even when they have no coins to throw into a traditional collection bucket. It is the latest sign of how Ireland is moving towards becoming a ‘cashless’ society. Donating just €2 when you are picking up your coffees helps us to continue to provide services to older people nationwide.”

Jacquie Marsh, Managing Director The Butlers Pantry, commented at the launch, “We are delighted to work with ALONE, to create awareness for their great work in supporting older people to age with dignity at home.  We have a really good feeling about the new ‘tap and give’ facility, it is quick, customer friendly and allows us engage with our customers about ALONE. Win Win all the way!”

ALONE are continually developing new and innovative technology to meet the needs of their service users. As well as launching the contactless donation boxes, the charity are researching and developing new technologies that will assist older people to age at home. ALONE has been shortlisted as one of 11 finalists in THINKTECH’s social innovation fund, a €1 million project to grow ideas for a better Ireland today.

Moynihan concluded, “As we approach the festive season, it is important to remember that Christmas can be a particularly isolating time for older people who are living alone. We are calling on the general public to contribute to the issue not only by donating money but also by thinking of older people in your locality and visiting them over the Christmas period.”

For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032. To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmastime visit www.alone.ie