Billy Chip
Why we urgently need your help!
Billy was my kid brother. And the most caring, compassionate person Ive ever known. He lived for helping others; from training to be a non-emergency care assistant, to volunteering to help the homeless Christmas. Turns out, he was also a bit of a genius.
After feeling disheartened at the lack of generosity passers-by show to homeless people on the streets, They just waste it on booze or drugs, dont they? Bill had a brainwave.
What if there was a safe, secure token scheme that could overcome this?
In 2018, before he could bring his idea to life, Billy tragically died whist back-packing in Thailand. In his memory, we have spent the past year, and our savings, trying to make it happen.
Billy Chip is taking off, check out our video for the proof! But we desperately need more kindness - and more money - to keep it going.
Billy Chip launched in December 2019 in our local Bristol area. It gives people the ability to buy a £2 token along with their daily coffee, which can then be given to anyone in need, safe in the knowledge it would be put to good use. The recipient simply redeems the Chip whenever they want at a participating place of their choosing.
To date, its provided hundreds of vital, sustaining beverages. Just as important, its given a sense of hope. (Making recipients feel less forgotten, that they're still valued as a member of society and supported by their community.)
We've been overwhelmed by how its going. But this is our problem.
In just a few months Billy Chip has nearly 50 outlets in Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham and Oxford taking part, with daily requests for the scheme to be rolled out further across the UK to support those sleeping rough in other communities.
Right now, we have an amazing opportunity to make something life-changing happen for homeless people. But were just a family of three, sitting round our kitchen table, with a few wonderful friends. And were struggling.
We desperately need to raise more money to set up Billy Chip on a more formal footing as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - so we can roll out the scheme to more retailers around the UK. Any gift you can donate will go towards this. It will also help us manufacture thousands more Billy Chips; create more starter packs for new retail partners; and allow us to invest in more serious planning, marketing and merchandising - to make Billy Chip a long term, sustainable success.
Were so grateful for all the support weve received so far. But we need a little more.
Please share this message with all of your family and friends, or with anyone you know who is torn about donating to the homeless.
Spread the word far and wide. And next time you walk past a coffee shop and see a Billy Chip Sticker, give yourself a pat on the back at the incredible thing youve helped create!
And, in the words of Billy himself, remember; You're fabulous, and dont you ever forget it!
For more information please visit: www.billychip.com or go to any of our social media channels: Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook or Twitter .
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BillyChip is an independently operated CIC who's profits support the BillyChip Foundation, Billy's Charity.
BillyChip Foundation is a working title of the (BA Hope Foundation registered charity 1188779).
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
