An unforgettable way to help those in need each Christmas

Giving Machine locations around Australia

More than 16 locations across Australia & NZ

Adelaide | Canberra | Hobart | Newcastle | Melbourne | Perth | Queensland | Sydney

Auckland | Christchurch | Hamilton | Wellington

The Light the World Giving Machine Initiative makes it easy to support local and global charities that provide people in need with clothing, food, emergency supplies, medical care and support during hardship.

What is the Giving Machine Initiative?

Usually, we visit a vending machine to get something for ourselves, but the Giving Machine Initiative offers a way to give to someone else.

Imagine swiping your credit card at a vending machine—but instead of buying a chocolate for yourself, you are buying life-changing items for those in need.

How does it work?

Each Giving Machine location partners with local charities to curate a selection of five of their top needs over the next year, ranging from lifesaving medical care, support for people experiencing homelessness, and literacy and numeracy tutoring for rural people. The items range from $5 to $200.

Visitors can walk up to a Giving Machine kiosk and choose something to give to someone in need. Each item or service is represented by a card, which drops from the machine with every purchase. The donor then has the option to scan a QR code to receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Each machine keeps a running tally of the items donated to each charity. In early 2027, the donated funds from the previous year are delivered to each charity along with the accounting of items chosen by donors. These donations will be used and fulfilled over the next year by each charity.

Give the gift of hope this Christmas

100% of donations go to participating charities

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers the initiative’s operating costs, so participating nonprofit organisations receive 100% of each donation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Giving Machine Initiative?

The Light the World Giving Machine Initiative offers a simple, memorable way to help others. At a Giving Machine kiosk, you choose an item or service to donate to someone in your community or around the world.

What makes this initiative so unique?

Instead of buying something for yourself, you choose a gift for someone else. Participating charities use the donations to provide goods and services for people who need them.

What can I donate at a Giving Machine kiosk?

Items vary by location and may include food, clean water, clothing, medical care, education support and other essential goods and services.

What are the payment options?

The machines accept credit card and mobile payments only (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).

How are Giving Machine donations used?

Participating organizations receive 100% of the collected funds and an itemized list of donor purchases. Over the next year, these organizations then acquire and deliver the goods and services to those in need. In some instances, substitutions for purchased items may be necessary to meet more significant demands; however, charities ensure substituted items remain within the same category as the original purchase.

What difference can my donation make?

Your donation helps participating charities provide goods and services to people who need them. The items available at each location reflect the needs identified by participating charities, so you can choose a cause that matters to you.

What items or charities require the most donations?

The organisations participating in the Giving Machine Initiative represent a variety of local causes, all with pressing needs. Choose an item or cause that resonates with you, knowing that your gift will help someone in need.

Can I donate online?

The Giving Machine Initiative is an in-person giving experience. Visit a Giving Machine kiosk to select a gift for someone in need. If you cannot visit, you can support the participating charities directly through our Charity Partners page.

How long will the Giving Machine Initiative be available?

The Giving Machine Initiative is a seasonal experience that runs during Christmastime. The kiosks will be open from the end of November through to the end of December at various locations around Australia and New Zealand.