Time to Do Some Good
Kirk Penton - Jun 19, 2018 - Biz Profiles

Image: Kirk Penton

A local tech startup has a new name, a new app, and several new initiatives that will make it easier for people to help their communities.

Do Some Good, formerly known as Volinspire, held a relaunch party on Monday night at the Okanagan Centre for Innovation to unveil its new look and its new features.

“Anyone can make an impact in the community simply by using their smart phone,” Do Some Good operations manager Jeff Hoffart said.

Not only can users of the app find volunteer opportunities throughout their community, but they can also identify and support the businesses that give money back to the community through Do Some Good. The consumer can also choose which charity receives the rebate.

“What I’ve learned is that people want to give back,” said Jeremy Lugowy, the United Way Central and South Okanagan Similkameen’s community engagement co-ordinator. “You just have to give them a platform to do that and give them options and an easy way.

“This is an exceptionally easy way with a great team, and I know the businesses I’m talking to are excited that something like this is out there. It’s unique, it’s local, and that’s important.”

Added Mamas for Mamas founder and CEO Shannon Christensen: “You get to give back simply by being a conscious consumer. I was born and raised here in Kelowna, and it is so important to me that we keep local money local.”

The app features a filter that allows users to find charities that champion issues important to them. There is also a community events database that can be added easily to a smartphone user’s calendar. The data is available to users as well.

“It allows you to track your impact, to record and log how you’re helping the community, whether it’s volunteerism, donations or organizations supported,” Hoffart said. “This is great for employees. It’s great for students. It’s kind of a community resume.”

Sheldon Gardiner, who founded Volinspire in December 2015 and oversaw its relaunch, believes the Do Some Good app will encourage local shopping, but more importantly strengthen the community.

“I grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan,” Gardiner said, “and my mom and dad pretty much taught me the values of community.”


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