British high street installs 'smart window poster' which allows contactless donations to be made to homeless

A “smart window poster” has been installed in Nationwide’s Union Street branch in Bath, Somerset.

The idea behind the contactless poster is to allow people to easily donate to homeless charities.

The new technology could revolutionise the way we donate to charity, making it easier and quicker for people to make one-off donations.

Each tap on the poster donates £3 directly to homeless people in the area.

At the moment, the idea is being trialled to see how it works.

Last month, though, it raised £400 for the local homeless community. The decision to add the smart poster was made as the building society continues to invest millions in branches up and down the country to support communities.

READ MORE: Women share #Januhairy pictures on social media

It’s thought that this type of initiative might make people feel more comfortable about giving money. It’s a one-off payment meaning they don’t have to enter into a direct debit agreement.

It also might help people who don’t like giving money to homeless people to donate in a different way.

The ‘Good Start Tap to Donate’ scheme is managed by local homeless charity Julian House. It was developed with Nationwide Building Society and Bath Business Improvement District.

All money raised will go towards the Julian House Good Start fund, which will help improve and eradicate homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset.

READ MORE: If you call your evening meal “supper” you’re officially posh

“A contactless point in the window of the branch has bridged the gap at a time when many people don’t have spare change or may not wish to hand it directly to someone who is homeless.” Nationwide branch manager, Stephanie Pritchard, said.

“As a branch we are very much here for the community.

“This novel way of raising money for a fantastic cause is a great example of how technology is playing a role in helping society, one tap at a time.”

It makes sense to role something like this out, particularly with the use of contactless payments rapidly on the rise.

READ MORE: The 30 food expats couldn’t live without

This is not the first example of contactless payments being used to secure charitable donations. The Big Issue has also recently started doing something similar.

Roanne Wootten, operations director for Julian House, said: “Tapping could fund welcome packs, which include toiletries and sanitary products in crisis accommodation, new bedding and essentials when moving into supported housing, a birth certificate, a passport or a driving licence.

“Fundamentally it is about the person and what they need to help them to come off the streets – it will be different for everyone.”

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK: