Frequently Asked Questions
The Light the World Giving Machine Initiative offers a simple, memorable way to help others. A Giving Machine is a unique vending machine in reverse — instead of getting something for yourself, you choose an item or service to donate to someone in your community or around the world.
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.
Items vary by location and may include food, clean water, clothing, medical care, education support and other essential goods and services.
A Giving Machine kiosk will accept EFTPOS, credit card and mobile wallet payments only (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
Participating organisations receive 100% of the collected funds and an itemised list of donor purchases. Over the next year, these organisations 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, our charity partners ensure substituted items remain within the same category as the original purchase.
A Church News Release from 2026 reports, “Since the first Giving Machine appeared in 2017, approximately US$70 million has been donated through the initiative.”
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.
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.
The Giving Machine Initiative is a seasonal experience that runs during Christmastime. Check individual location pages for specific dates, but generally they’ll be open from around the mid-end of November through to the end of December.