New feature enables Aussies to put their loose change to good use
In an Australian banking first, ING has launched a charitable round-up feature, giving Australians more control when it comes to putting their loose change to good use.
ING’s Everyday Round Up to Charity, which adds to the bank’s existing Round Up to Home Loans and Savings features, allows customers to round up eligible everyday card transactions to the nearest dollar or five dollars and donate the difference to a charity.
The launch is supported by new ING research which found that an estimated 7.6 million Australians want to donate to charity despite the heightened costs of living, with 83% of this group willing to give nearly $5 of loose change to charity per week.
“This research shows that Aussies’ hearts are in the right place, with many still wanting to give a little to causes they care about, even when times are tight,” said Amy Cunningham (pictured above), head of digital at ING. “We’re excited to be the first Australian bank launching this digital donation tool, now giving Aussies more control in how they round up possible loose change between home loans, savings, and charity.
“With ING’s Everyday Round Up to Charity, even a small donation can have a big impact on one of the many charities a customer can choose to support, with $1 delivering books to remote communities, $3 feeding a bushtail possum in care, and $7.50 providing a meal for a woman in a shelter.”
Kym Pfitzner, CEO of Australian Red Cross, welcomed the move by ING.
“We’re thrilled to be part of ING’s innovative Everyday Round Up to Charity launch,” Pfitzner said. “Red Cross knows every dollar can make a difference – in this case a relatively small amount, rounded up, can be that difference. Fourteen dollars can help us provide a warm meal for someone who's homeless and with $22, we can deliver a hygiene kit to a person enduring disaster overseas.”
To support the launch, ING said it will be running a donation-matching initiative for round-ups made to charity until June 30.
For more information about Everyday Round Up to Charity please visit www.ing.com.au/ERU2C.
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