In the last month we’ve seen bare shop-shelves, fights in supermarkets, and stampedes for household staples as a result of COVID-19. Newly launched initiative, Panic Donate, is encouraging consumers to switch from real-life panic buying to online “shopping” to raise money for charities responding to, and impacted by, the current crisis. 

Founded by Jack Andrews, Panic Donate is an alternative way to build awareness and raise money for charities. The feel-good platform allows the public to choose the equivalent cost of their kitchen staples such as bread, milk and butter to be donated as cash to their preferred charity. With tongue-in-cheek messaging, consumers can opt to “shop” ‘calmly’ or in ‘panic-mode’ adding a lighthearted twist to the process. 

“We wanted to create something that would cut-through all the noise and counterweight all the doom and gloom. We wanted to show people that the spirit of giving, and of community, are still alive and well,” says Andrews. 

Panic Donate went from idea to launch in a week and a half. In that time wireframes were built, illustrations drawn, payments and socials set up, and 50 charities were contacted from around the world. 

“We focused on charities in areas that are being hit hard by this pandemic: mental health services, the arts, food distribution, and domestic violence services. Along with the charities addressing specific needs, we chose two international partners: UNICEF and the IFRC, who are coordinating global responses,” says Andrews. 

With the platform now live, the public can jump online and donate to key local and international charities including food rescue organisation, OzHarvest and Support Act, a charity delivering crisis relief services​to artists, crew and music workers as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health problem, or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music. 

“We are delighted to be chosen as one of benefiting charities as part of this innovative campaign! OzHarvest has seen an increased demand for food relief due to COVID19, and this is a fun way for people to help out. Every $1 will enable us to deliver 2 meals to those in need across Australia,” says Lisa Dainty, Community Fundraising Manager, OzHarvest (Australia). 

"We thought this was a really cool idea the moment we saw it - and are very happy to be included as one of the charity partners! Donations to Support Act will greatly assist our efforts to provide crisis relief and mental health support to artists, crew and music workers who have lost their jobs and income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis." - Clive Miller, CEO, Support Act (Australia) 

So, instead of real-life panic buying during this pandemic, head online to Panic Donate! 

www.panicdonate.com