On Nov. 14, a group of five local charity representatives cut a red ribbon to unveil Detroit’s Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a part of the global Light the World campaign run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and now Detroit is home to its very own.
“The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is honored to deliver a great space bringing the Giving Machine to Detroit for the first time. The machine is located at Campus Martius Park, the No. 1 Public Square in the nation, that has over 2 million people flowing through and around the park during the holiday season,” said Eric Larson, the DDP’s CEO.
As a nonprofit centered around connecting Downtown Detroit, the DDP is incredibly excited for the opportunity the Giving Machine brings to Downtown. “It’s all about giving in the holiday season and this is the first opportunity to do that live in Campus Martius Park,” said David Cowan, the DDP’s chief public spaces officer.
The machine’s presence in Campus Martius Park allows the Downtown community and visitors to conveniently support those in need within their own neighborhoods and beyond. One hundred percent of donations made through the Giving Machine will go to local and global charities, including five Detroit-based charities:
- Focus: HOPE
- Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Zaman International
- Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County
- Pope Francis Center
The DDP encourages the community to visit Detroit’s Giving Machine and consider donating while it is available until Dec. 8.