Bristol-based BillyChip scheme launch new volunteer programme

Bristol-based BillyChip scheme launch new volunteer programme

Posted on: 06 Dec 2021

The token-based social enterprise project was set up in 2019 to support rough sleepers across the city.

 

The team behind BillyChip have unveiled a new volunteer programme to incentivise people across Bristol and beyond to encourage local shops and hospitality businesses to sign up to the scheme. 

 

The BillyChip platform allows shoppers to purchase tokens from participating retailers, which can be passed on to homeless people and rough sleepers and redeemed for food, drink and other products.

 

The new volunteer system invites individuals to speak to local businesses about BillyChip, then if the business signs up to take part in the scheme, the volunteer is entered into a monthly prize draw as recognition of their commitment to social change.

 

 

Speaking on the announcement of the volunteer programme, BillyChip co-founder Jon Hope said: "It's great to be able to launch this new scheme, against the backdrop of International Volunteer Day on 5 December. 

 

"We are working hard to sign up outlets across the country to help share a little kindness and compassion to those less well off. Our volunteers will be a vital part of that process, and their enthusiasm and passion for BillyChip means they can help us make a difference in towns and cities across the UK."

 

BillyChip was set up in memory of Somerset local and 20-year-old ambulance driver Billy Abernathy-Hope, who sadly died whilst on holiday in Thailand in 2018.

 

Billy's family got the ball rolling with a festival in their back garden in 2019, raising more than £20,000 to launch the scheme. Earlier this year, they secured close to £10,000 in National Lottery Community funding to develop the project even further.

 

The BillyChip system acknowledges that the general public can be apprehensive about giving money directly to rough sleepers, and uses tokens as an alternative to help secure vital provisions for vulnerable people.

 

To join the BillyChip volunteer programme, to find out more about the project or to follow news and updates, head to their website or find the team on Twitter.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.