# Cancer Research UK raises funds via contactless benches

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/02/04/cancer-research-uk-raises-funds-via-contactless-benches/
- Published: 2017-02-04T11:34:03+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**A street bench is the latest object to be transformed into a contactless giving
opportunity. Cancer Research is introducing 100 ‘smart benches’ in London in time
for World Cancer Day today, 4th February.**

Developed in partnership with Strawberry Energy and MKTG, the solar-powered benches“
enhance public spaces” by providing mobile device charging ports and free wi-fi 
access, as well as, you’ll be pleased to hear, a place to sit and socialise.

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## #SmartBenchUK

CRUK is claiming that this is “the world’s first use of contactless payment on the
Smart Bench”. The public can use their contactless debit or credit card on the bench
to tap and donate £2 to the cancer charity.

Cancer Research UK is the first brand to partner on the Smart Bench scheme. The 
locations in Islington and Lewisham were selected because of their high-footfall.

![Donating to CRUK via Smart Bench](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/02/
cruk-smart-bench-contactless-donation.jpg)

_Donating to CRUK on the streets of Lewisham – by smart bench._

## Strawberry Energy

[Strawberry Energy](http://www.smartbench.london/) built the benches. It develops
solar-powered street furniture for smart cities to enhance the outdoor experience
of the 21st century mobile generation. Urban Partnerships, a division of MKTG, delivers
projects within the public space that are mutually beneficial for both brands and
non-profit organisations.

The first benches in London will not cost taxpayers a penny. Strawberry has taken
on production and installation as part of its commitment to London as a smart city.

## More contactless benches to come

Following this pilot, a further 10 benches will be installed by the end of February,
with an additional 80 to be installed this year.

Michael Docherty, director of digital at Cancer Research UK, said:

> “Having used [contactless technology in innovative ways in the past](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/01/22/cruk-trials-contactless-giving-through-the-charity-shop-window/)
> to engage the public in the work we do, we are always looking for new opportunities
> to incorporate contactless technology further throughout the charity and make 
> it even easier for our supporters to help us beat cancer sooner. These Smart Benches
> seemed like the next step in our use of contactless technology to bring charitable
> giving closer to our supporters, integrating it seamlessly into cutting-edge street
> furniture.”

![](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2022/01/cruk-smart-bench-contactless-2.
jpg)

Cancer Research UK has joined forces with smart city business Strawberry Energy 
to launch a network of Smart Benches (#SmartBenchUK) with contactless technology
in time for [World Cancer Day](http://cruk.org/worldcancerday) on the 4th February.

Miloš Milisavljević, founder and CEO of Strawberry Energy, developers and owners
of the Smart Bench network, said that he was proud that they had worked with CRUK
on a fundraising innovation, saying:

> “Our charging stations bring people together, motivate them to spend more time
> outdoors, and enhance their enjoyment of the environment with information such
> as pollution sensors.”

## World Cancer Day 2017

As well as making donations via these smart benches, Cancer Research UK is also 
urging the nation to wear a [Unity Band®](http://cruk.org/worldcancerday) on 4 February
2017, [World Cancer Day](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/01/25/10-cancer-charities-unite-2017-world-cancer-day/),
to create an #ActofUnity that will help beat cancer sooner. The charity suggests
a donation of £2 per band.

> Tomorrow is World Cancer Day! Get ready to join the nation for an incredible [#ActOfUnity](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ActOfUnity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).
> Play your part – wear a Unity Band or donate! [pic.twitter.com/vK79dceE9U](https://t.co/vK79dceE9U)
> — Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) [February 3, 2017](https://twitter.com/CR_UK/status/827604073809580036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 

## Where to sit and donate

If you want to try out a Smart Bench you will find them at the following locations,
with map co-ordinates in brackets.

**Islington**

·         **Contactless** Essex Road (51.538116, -0.099604)

·         **Contactless**: Islington Green (51.535865, -0.103000)

·         Essex Road (51.540730, -0.095340)

·         Old Street (51.525104, -0.092511)

·         Newington Road (51.551009, -0.085991)

**Lewisham**

·         **Contactless: **Albion Way- Lewisham High Street (51.462605, -0.010379)

·         **Contactless: **Lewis Grove- Albion Way (51.461434, -0.010507)

·         Near the model market (51.4598471,-0.0114373)

·         Brookmill Road (51.473093, -0.023598)

·         Corner of New Cross Road and Childeric Street (51.475793, -0.036973)

## Charities and contactless giving

CRUK is just one of a number of charities that has been testing contactless giving
over the last couple of years.

 * [CRUK uses contactless giving via their charity shop windows](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/01/22/cruk-trials-contactless-giving-through-the-charity-shop-window/)(
   January 2015)
 * [CRUK trials contactless collections for World Cancer Day 2016](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/02/03/216279/)(
   February 2016)
 * [Comic Relief to raise contactless donations via comedian statues](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/02/11/comic-relief-raise-contactless-donations-statues/)(
   February 2015) 
 * [Blue Cross uses dogs for mobile contactless fundraising](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/05/19/blue-cross-uses-dogs-mobile-contactless-fundraising/)(
   May 2016) 

 * **Have you donated via a smart bench? Tell us about the experience in the comments
   below.**