New crowd-funding site hits Winnipeg to send donations to Nepal
Each campaign the site launches will be supported by a local business to deliver rewards
A new kind of crowd-funding website is coming to Winnipeg, and the first donations to be collected will be sent to Nepal for emergency services following Saturday's earthquake.
Winnipeggers are joining the global relief effort in responding to the devastation caused by the earthquake, and one method of raising money is called "rewards-based crowd-funding."
Jyoti Balhara is busy putting the final touches on The Donation, which is expected to be up and running this week. (Those who are interested can already use the site if they have a PayPal account.)
It starts with a cause or a campaign, Balhara told CBC's Radio Noon, which is then sponsored by a local business.
That business chooses what type of reward system it wishes to contribute to the campaign. Then, when people donate money to the cause, they're given a reward from the business.
This model is being tested by raising funds for Nepal emergency relief. With a minimum donation of $5, the donor receives a coupon for 10 per cent off their next purchase at Winnipeg's East India Company Pub and Eatery.
Balhara believes Winnipeg's Nepali community is giving the money to the Red Cross for its efforts in the country.
'It's for the human race'
Balhara said this method of fundraising adds the benefit of supporting local business to philanthropy.
The rush was put on the completion of the site because of the need after Nepal's earthquake.
"Canadian are also connected to it. Many of us aspire to go to Mount Everest and the Himalayas to serve our adventurous spirit," Balhara said. "It's for the human race."
Balhara said responding in times of need is important because even though this earthquake occurred on the other side of the world, the next disaster could just as easily hit Canada.