Easy Does It - local charity fundraises without spending any money

A local charity is calling on everyone in the local area to help its fundraising - without giving a penny.

That’s because the Exeter, Mid and East Devon branch has signed up to a new online service called easyfundraising.

As its name suggests, it’s a simple way of raising money when you shop online.

Easyfundraising has partnered with around 7,000 major shopping brands and if you shop at any of those brands online, you can secure a percentage donation to the local Samaritans - and it’s the shop that pays, not you.

Every time you shop online that brand gives the Exeter, Mid and East Devon Samaritans branch a small donation as a thank-you for shopping with them. But the shopper must first register with easyfundraising and name the local branch as their chosen charity.

Mel Whittock, director of the branch, says: “The clue’s in the name - this really is an easy way of fundraising, but it’s vital that as many people as possible choose our branch and our charity.”

She continues: “This branch relies entirely on donations to fund our work, which is increasing year on year. In 2022, for example, we responded to  31,246 telephone calls and 754 online contacts. And all that was done by our 120 volunteers.

If you want to support Mel’s team, there’s an easy-to-follow video and set of instructions on www.easyfundraising.org.uk - and remember to choose Exeter Samaritans.