Online Media News South Africa

Online bidding for charity

WhatIWant.co.za, allegedly South Africa's first charity auction website, recently launched in partnership with media and marketing company Media-X. It allows users to bid on highly aspirational products at a fraction of the retail costs while at the same time indirectly contributing to social upliftment in the country.

All causes on www.WhatIWant.co.za are registered non-profit organisations with the Department of Social Development verified, by the Bid4Good Investment Trust in partnership with Round Up Foundation. Round Up Foundation is a SA registered not-for profit (NPO) organisation whose main aim is to provide electronic small change collection mechanisms on online billing and till points for the benefit of the South African non-profit sector.

“On line auctions is not a new concept” say Jono Marcus, co-founder of whatiwant.co.za, “but what is unique about our site is that not only does it combine an auction which benefits a number of NPOs but also gives the opportunity to big corporates to use our site as a platform for their CSI (Corporate Social Investment).

“Instead of handing over cheques behind closed doors these companies can now auction an item and whilst gaining exposure via viral campaigns can also involve staff to positively contribute towards their companies CSI.”

Bidding is simple and with a small admin fee depending on the product of choice, one is able to make three bids on one's dream product. The successful bidder is the person with the highest unique bid, closest to the maximum amount specified. Odds are said to be extremely favourable. Items for auction are available to anyone over the age of 18 years, anywhere in the world.

The first lineup of items includes an Audi TT and two Vespa scooters.

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