When you buy something from a shop, you help a needy child. Isn’t this a comfortable way to render some help to society?
Many of us want to do something for others, but don’t have the time or know how to. For such people, Hari Vedadri and Permila Hari, along with their like-minded friends, have started Myshare India, a social entrepreneurship project that makes reaching NGOs working for poor and disabled easier.
“We are trying to provide a link between consumers and the social sector. We have tied up with retailers, both online and offline, and small and large NGOs. A consumer, who is a member of Myshare India, will automatically donate a percentage of what he has spent on a particular product to a charity. This is an understanding we have with the retail sector,” says Hari, adding that the project is like a loyalty programme started a year ago.
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Over 380 retailers and 550 outlets across the State are working with Myshare India, which has a membership strength of 38,000. Also, 55 online retail houses have joined hands. “We are targeting 1,50,000 members by the end of the year. People can join online as well. Membership is free. There are 8 large NGOs such as Isha Foundation, Amar Seva Sang and Hope Foundation that are a part of the network,” says Permila. When it comes to smaller NGOs, an external auditor is brought on board to look at their credibility. Money is transferred to the NGO’s account only after it passes this scrutiny.
While some may pledge money, others may want to give time to their favourite NGOs. For such people, the online portal provides an interface where NGOs mention their requirements and people can book the time they want to volunteer.
Myshare primarily helps people connect with society. It also directly takes up social causes and conducts blood, eye, organ donation camps, books and cloth collection events. They recently conducted a book donation drive for visually challenged students in association with volunteers of Youth Red Cross, who read out to the blind. “We collected 6,000 books. Next, we are looking at raising funds for the handicapped in September. We are planning to conduct an e-waste programme, where people will be invited to bring all their e-waste, which an evaluation agency will set a price on. The money from the waste can either be donated to the physically challenged or people can use it to buy saplings instead,” says Hari.
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The duo also plans to work with the Corporation of Chennai on hard-waste segregation project. “We have had two consultations with the officials. For every kg of waste a person segregates at source, he/she will be given a discount voucher that can be used in a retail outlet. We are still working out the modalities,” he adds.
“Another project for which we plan to take the Corporation’s help is an incentivising programme for the government officials. Someone who excels in his duties can be identified by the Corporation and we will give him discount vouchers.”
Before Diwali, Myshare India will conduct a cloth collection drive, which will be presented to homes and orphanages. To know more or to become a member log on to www.myshareindia.com