We live in an increasingly cashless society.
While technology offers many of us increased convenience, it also means we are carrying less change in our pockets -- and Canada’s homeless are feeling the pinch.
But what if we could have both... and use the convenience of smartphones to do good?
ABOUT
YesISawYou is a grassroots organization, created with the intention of helping those that are experiencing homelessness to collect money electronically, which in turn can be used for food security and the other necessities of life, at pre-selected retailers.
THE A-TEAM
Creating YesISawYou, requires a large group of professionals who are volunteering to serve on the Advisory Team (aka The A-Team). Each one is a leader in their field and bring their unique expertise to YesISawYou. They are all super smart and have a huge heart.
They are:
Marlo Taylor, Marketing and Communications
Ian Brady, VP Operations and Recruitment
Nancy Pandovski, ERP Consultant
Rick Turola, Co-Founder at TM7 Tech
We will be adding more to the Advisory Team as we move toward launch
HOW IT WORKS
The YesISawYou (YISU) app is the virtual equivalent of offering spare change: Using a simple QR code printed on a coffee cup sleeve and the smartphones of passersby, it will allow donors to transfer funds to a secure, accessible account, helping those living on our streets continue to have access to basic necessities.
For those experiencing homelessness: Shelters, churches, etc. will hand out pre-printed YesISawYou (YISU) coffee cup sleeves that include a Quick Response “QR” code, to those experiencing homelessness. No ID required.
For donors: The donor will download the YesISawYou (YISU) app, create a YISU account, add their credit card information, and set the app default donation amount, geo-location capabilities, charitable tax receipt information, etc.
On the street: When a donor sees a person collecting with a YesISawYou (YISU) sleeve, they scan the QR code on the coffee cup sleeve, to make a donation to the QR code/coffee cup sleeve.
Funds Collected: Can be redeemed like cash, at pre-selected restaurants, grocery stores, transit systems, hair cutting shops, etc., by whomever is in possession of the YesISawYou (YISU) sleeve.
Any funds in an inactive YISU account will be moved electronically, to organizations that support those experiencing homelessness (e.g. Covenant House ROP, Yonge Street Mission Bridges, etc.).
OUR PARTNERS
Retail partners are critical to the success of the YISU project.
Canada’s homeless need access to safe and accessible shopping spaces where they can find food and other necessities.
If you are a retailer who is committed to your community and ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, please contact the YISU team at raypaulmccourt@gmail.com or call 416-606-7285 to learn more.
