A new way to give back during the holiday season will be making its way to Tillicum Centre this month.
‘Giving Machines’ are customized red vending machines with a twist—instead of dispensing products, they allow people to donate tangible items to help those in need—whether they live across the street or around the world.
The way these Giving Machines work is that the public can use a large interactive touch screen to scroll through lists of items that are needed by multiple charities—once you choose your selections, you add them to a cart, then check out.
Since its inception in 2017, this is the very first time the Light the World Giving Machine campaign has been run in BC, and only the second time it’s been operated in Canada.
These Giving Machines will be at Tillicum Centre from November 14th until December 3rd, and will provide giving options for five local charities, including:
· Shelbourne Community Kitchen
· Soap for Hope Canada
· Saanich Neighbourhood Place
· New Horizons
· Cool Aid
Additionally, the global charities involved are Care Canada and UNICEF Canada.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced the ‘Light the World’ initiative in 2016 to encourage people to be more purposeful in performing small and simple acts of kindness for others.
One year later, the Light the World Giving Machine Initiative began as one way to fulfill this objective.
The church covers all costs of the campaign so that 100% of the proceeds can go to the participating nonprofits.
Since 2017, more than two million people have visited a Giving Machine and donated more than $60 million in goods and services.
Around 600,000 people visited a Giving Machine in 2024, and purchased more than 350,000 items. Those items included: food, fresh water supplies, livestock, vaccinations, hygiene kits and school backpacks.
Make sure you stop by Tillicum Centre and take part in this unique way of giving back this holiday season!
The Giving Machine at Tillicum Centre
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: November 14th – December 3rd – open all shopping centre hours
