Accessible Charity: Donating via Vending Machines

Copyright East Japan Guide Dog Association All Rights Reserved.

A new type of vending machine that makes charitable donations is gathering public attention nationwide. When beverages are purchased from the machine, part of the purchase amount is automatically donated to organizations that tackle social issues.

The first such vending machine, introduced in June, 2004, donated money to the East Japan Guide Dog Association, a public organization that raises guide dogs. Since then, the vending machines have been installed in various places such as offices, schools, and recreational facilities, with two percent of sales going to the association. Each machine indicates that a donation will be made and the amount to be donated.

As a new donation system connecting individuals directly with various social welfare activities, the vending machines provide benefits not only for the recipient organizations but also, through improved public image, for the companies or individuals installing the machines. Medecins Sans Frontieres Japan, which provides emergency medical aid, and the Asian Green Forest Network, which works to plant trees in Asia, have all introduced the donation system through vending machines, spreading its application to various fields.