Tap to donate! New fundraising collaboration launched at AO Arena

AO Arena sponsors brand new ‘tap to donate’ device for Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, with all donations going towards Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s flagship scheme – A Bed Every Night.

Last night, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity launched its new funding collaboration with AO Arena to help end homelessness.

The arena supported the installation of a brand new ‘tap to donate’ device with every tap from revellers and concert goers at AO Arena will support Greater Manchester’s pioneering scheme, A Bed Every Night.

Matty White, Ambassador for Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity was there to cut the ribbon. He knows just how important schemes like this are, having experienced 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.

It can feel like so little, but just imagine if even a tenth of the people coming to see some of 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!”

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 journey’s out of homelessness.

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.”

Ellice Eadie, Interim Head of Marketing at the AO Arena, said: “For the past 30 years the AO Arena has been a cornerstone in Manchester, not just physically but culturally too. As a venue, it’s the people of our local communities that make us who we are, and that’s why it’s so important to us to work with initiatives such as the Greater Manchester’s Mayor’s Charity to ensure that everyone in our City gets the chance to live well. Ultimately, we’re lucky enough to work in the power of live entertainment, an industry that transcends cultures, communities and languages. We believe that everyone deserves the right to access this, through the stability of having a place to call their home.” 

 The device at the AO Arena is part of a number of devices across the Manchester, which have collectively raised over £4,000 over the last 12 months. Unlike devices elsewhere – programmed to £3.00 – this new device gives the public the option to choose how much they want to donate, ranging from £3.00 to £50.00 with just a tap of their phone or card. Visitors to the AO Arena can find the device located on the main concourse, by the City Rooms entrance.

Next time you head to a gig at AO Arena, or pass by any of our donation points, please consider tapping your card. Every tap provides a lifeline to those who need it most. A Bed Every Night works, but it can do more with the support and generosity of the people of Greater Manchester. Thank you to AO Arena for sponsoring and hosting this new device.

Together, we can end homelessness.