QR Codes for a Cause

During CNN’s coverage of the recent Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear tragedies, they had a QR code on screen that allowed people to scan it and be taken to a list of charities accepting donations for Japan.  These on-air QR codes would continue to appear for CNN’s Impact Your World program.

CNN’s QR code serves two purposes aside from heightening people’s awareness about important global issues.  One is to help increase the amount of donations and pledges from concerned individuals, and the other is to help viewers find legitimate charities instead of falling victim to donation scams.

Indeed, a quick visit to the Impact Your World website, which is where the QR code resolves to, would show a list of charities working in a specific affected area; the latest updates on Japan, Libya and other areas hit by strife or natural calamities; and a guide on how to avoid scams.

CityHarvest.org has come up with a pioneering fundraising campaign using QR codes.  With the end goal of giving out 8.5 million pounds of food to New York City’s indigents last Christmas, they invited people to scan QR codes on their posters.  These QR codes resolved to the City Harvest website where people can get more information about the organization and about how to contribute.  From there, scanners of the code would be able to donate any amount they wish or call the City Harvest hotline to make a donation.

Yet another example of QR codes with a cause is Tees at Risk.  Tees at Risk benefits various organizations that help out troubled teens.  Tees at Risk prints T-shirts with unique and eye-catching design created by a teen who was helped by Tees at Risk.  The shirt includes a QR code that tells the story of the particular teenage designer.

Just recently, London-based retail establishment Sefridges hosted a charity sponsored by Oxfam Curiosity Shop, wherein second-hand clothes donated by top celebrities are sold.  These clothes, donated by celebrities like Annie Lennox, Scarlet Johansson, and Colin Firth, come with a QR code on their tags that links buyers to exclusive content via the Oxfan mobile website.  Specifically, upon scanning the code, the buyer is directed to a video that tells the story of that piece from the former celebrity owner’ perspective.  The proceeds of this charity event are put toward various projects worldwide.

Seen any more examples of how QR codes are used for charity or other philanthropic causes?  Hit us up using the comment box!