eBay raises £22.5m during 2018 for good causes

Campaigns to help homeless, young entrepreneurs and disadvantaged children help the online auction site boost donations to good causes.

eBay’s UK charity programme raised £22.5m in 2018, up 13% on the previous year, according to latest evaluation.

The online auction website has revealed that last year it raised £60,000 a day, which equates to £2,500 an hour for charities.

Among the causes that the British public most frequently donated to were cancer, children, animals and military veterans.

Specific charities to benefit include LGBT homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust, which received £40,000 through activity by eBay in celebration of Pride.

This included offering exclusive merchandise by fashion designer Henry Holland and Adidas trainers customised by celebrities including David Beckham and Elton John.

Other charity activity in 2018 included the launch of the Prince’s Trust Tomorrow’s Store, which sells products made by young entrepreneurs supported by the charity’s Enterprise programme.

BBC Children in Need also benefits

eBay charity activity raised £15,000 for BBC Children in Need and an auction, featuring signed platinum discs, was organised by The Prodigy for Myeloma UK.

“Connecting non-profits with our big-hearted eBay users has paid dividends for both charities and our community in 2018,” said Murray Lambell, Head of Trading for eBay UK.

“The growth in the eBay for Charity program in the UK demonstrates the benefits for both charities seeking to reach new audiences and diversify their traditional charity shop model by tapping in to our trusted marketplace model and for shoppers seeking the gifts and experiences that will give back.”

“2019 is already shaping up to be exciting for us as we look to reach £150M in funds raised by the end of the year.”

eBay will once again carry out fundraising acitvity for Pride in 2019 as well as around International Women’s Day (March 8).