Ukash, the voucher-based prepaid online payment provider, which established its South African division in November 2008, has created a system that allows the public to donate their 'change' to a collection of charities when using their uniquely numbered Ukash vouchers.
Ukash can be purchased through payment terminals operated by the pre-paid company across the country. Consumers can then use the unique numbers on these vouchers to make online purchases, without having to part with any personal or financial information. With online fraud continuing to plague electronic commerce Web sites, prepaid vouchers really are the only way to shop online.
When shopping with Ukash vouchers, if the value of a voucher exceeds the amount of the purchase, consumers are issued with 'change'. Consumers are then given the option of donating their 'change' to a group of deserving charities called 'The Trust'.
'The Trust' (www.thetrust.org.za) is a Web portal that aims to make it easy, affordable and risk-free for individuals and corporations to contribute to charities throughout South Africa and other African countries. It provides a network for reputable and accountable South African charities that have qualified through ongoing due diligence - irrespective of size, purpose or geographical location.
"The idea is to give merchants and consumers the opportunity to boost the fundraising ability of charities by consolidating marketing efforts under one umbrella. By doing this, we aim to streamline the act of giving by creating a single access point for a vast assortment of causes, from animals in distress to woman and child abuse. Additionally, by focusing on international celebrity endorsement through its many high-level contacts, 'The Trust' is able to marshal significant support around these," says Mark Chirnside, Chief Executive Officer of Ukash.
Charities affiliated to 'The Trust' are expected to adhere to strict reporting and accountability guidelines to continue receiving support from Ukash. Chirnside adds: "Every cent of every rand donated to our causes is tracked, accounted for and distributed to charities with maximum efficiency and transparency."
In addition to all of the above, 'The Trust' has the active support and buy-in of many of South Africa's leading businesspeople. "This means we are able to benefit from literally decades of cumulative business experience and the result is a charity run on business priorities for maximum effect," concludes Chirnside.
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Ukash
Ukash is a globally recognised e-commerce cash payment method that enables online purchases using cash, providing freedom from credit and debit card fraud, repudiations and charge-backs, and protecting personal identity. Ukash is the perfect solution for all consumers to participate in the digital era, even if they do not own a debit or credit card or are unwilling to share their financial details online.
Uniquely numbered Ukash vouchers are widely available through payment terminals in retail outlets in Europe and South Africa and via Internet-enabled Vodafone mobiles in the UK.
The company has experienced a 257% growth in the past year, becoming the fastest growing provider of online alternative payments in Europe.
Ukash has recently established a strategic partnership with South African payments giant Blue Label Telecoms to develop the brand's services. They are authorised by the South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) to operate in South Africa and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK.
For further information on Ukash, please visit http://www.ukash.com/za-en.
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