‘Light the World’ giving machine initiative makes grand return during the holidays for 2nd edition

Placed in shopping areas like downtown Montreal during the holidays, these unique red vending machines are part of the ‘Light the World’ initiative – where people can donate essential items like meals, clean water, hygiene kits, and much more – simply with the swipe of a card.

“The concept behind the giving machines is pretty simple.” Olivia Hutchinson, the communications director at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began to explain. “It’s a way for people to make a donation kind of live and in person rather than going to a website on your phone, and it’s really great for kids because they get a visual idea of something that they can give to someone else.”

With its two launch events at Complexe Desjardins and at Carrefour Angrignon a complete success last year, the teams behind the Giving Machines have decided to bring them back again this year for a second year in a row.

Hutchinson said, “We had a beautiful little start last year in Montreal. I’m super excited for what we’ll be able to pull off with twice as much time and three locations instead of two this year.”

Adding, “We want to shine a light on these different charities that people might not know exist here in Montreal or internationally.”

Last year’s initiative led to more than 2,000 donations collected for the seven charities that participated, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to charities, half of which are local Montreal organizations like Old Brewery Mission, Sun Youth, and Maisons de la paix, to name a few.

“We participated last year, and it’s been amazing because they’ve helped us so much with material that we can buy now for the women, for the children, like blankets, just little things you don’t think about, but that we need so much every day,” said Marylène Dubois, the communication & philanthropy director at Maisons de la paix.

They’ve even got two major international organizations joining the mix again this year.

“CARE is one of our international organizations, and UNICEF is another one, and this is where you can buy a couple of baby chicks or some food, some items to help vaccinate a child or to help feed a child in need,” Hutchinson explained.

For those who missed the two launch events at Carrefour Laval and Complexe Desjardins, there’s going to be a third and final event in the Santa Village at Carrefour Angrignon on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11:00 a.m., where two more Giving Machines will be revealed.

“All of the representatives from the charities will be there for a ribbon cutting ceremony. And they’ll each be speaking about the work that they do and thanking everyone for their gifts. And there should be a special appearance by the Grinch,” said Hutchinson.