AO Arena has sponsored a brand-new ‘tap to donate’ device which you can find on their main concourse
AO Arena has sponsored a new ‘tap to donate’ device as part of a collaboration with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, with all donations made going towards the flagship scheme - A Bed Every Night.
Having been a part of the city for 30 years, AO Arena is passionate about supporting Manchester communities and giving back to the people that have supported them over the years.
A Bed Every Night has helped drive a 43% reduction in rough sleeping since its launch in 2018, but it’s far more than just a bed. The flagship scheme, delivered across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, provides accommodation and support to people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing rough sleeping.
Using a person-centred approach, A Bed Every Night staff work closely with their residents to understand their needs and how they can feel best supported. The experience of rough sleeping can be traumatic, and ABEN residents are supported to build up confidence and connection to their community, often marking the start of transformative journeys out of homelessness.
At last night’s official launch of the device, Manchester-born presenter and host, Matty White, recognised the importance of schemes like this, sharing his firsthand experience of rough sleeping when he was younger.
“I have slept on the streets, I have slept on friend’s sofas. I know how important it is to get support and care – like what we see in A Bed Every Night - when you feel at your lowest. I’ve spent some time with some of the residents and heard first-hand what ABEN has done for them, literally saving lives,” he said, adding “It can feel like so little, but just imagine if even a tenth of the people coming to see some the great shows and concerts at AO Arena decided to tap, how many nights of care and support we could see funded in A Bed Every Night. I know this can raise some real funds!”
Fran Darlington-Pollock, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said: “We’ve funded over 87,400 nights of accommodation in A Bed Every Night, and are proud of the role we play in enabling the people and businesses of Greater Manchester to support this incredible scheme. This collaboration with AO Arena opens up the opportunity for even more people to get behind our mission to end homelessness. We want to see a time where no one has to sleep on the streets, and where everyone who needs it can get access to the life-changing support ABEN offers.”
The device at the AO Arena is part of a number of devices across Manchester, which have collectively raised over £4,000 over the last 12 months. Unlike devices elsewhere which are programmed to £3, this new device gives the public the option to choose how much they want to donate, ranging from £3 to £50 with just a tap of their phone or card.
AO Arena has teamed up with the GMMC to drive fans to donate where possible - guests visiting the arena can find the donation point on entry to the main concourse, where they can seamlessly tap and donate what they can. Together, we can help end homelessness in Manchester.
For more information on this great cause, visit gmmayorscharity.org.
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