# Contactless Donation Benches These 'Smart Benches' Offer a Unique Way to Donate to Cancer Research By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-03 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/donate-to-cancer-research References: [eventmagazine](http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/cancer-research-uk-unveils-smart-benches-london/brands/article/1422942) & [cancerresearchuk.org](http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/) Contactless donation systems are becoming a popular way for organizations to collect funds from the public and [Cancer Research UK](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charitable-donation-campaign) is now also using this technology to encourage people to donate to cancer research. Cancer Research UK teamed up with smart city business [Strawberry Energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chibi-marukochan) and the MKTG agency for the creation of solar-powered 'Smart Benches' that provide a place to sit, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity and phone-charging ports. With a tap of one's credit or debit card, it's also possible to make a £2 donation to Cancer Research UK. On the use of smart street furniture for this initiative, MKTG's Michael Brown remarks: "The Smart Cities economy is going to be worth an estimated £400 [billion] by 2020, and UK industry is targeting 10% of that – which is twice the value of what the entire UK advertising sector was worth in 2016." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Contactless Donation Systems:** The rise of contactless donation systems presents an opportunity for businesses to create innovative ways for organizations to collect funds. - **Smart Benches:** The creation of smart benches with Wi-Fi connectivity and phone-charging ports offers potential for businesses to enhance public spaces with additional features. - **Smart Cities Economy:** The growing smart cities economy opens doors for businesses to explore disruptive innovations and carve out a significant market share. ### Who This Affects Most - **Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations:** Nonprofit and charitable organizations can explore contactless donation systems to improve fundraising efforts and make it easier for people to donate. - **Outdoor Furniture Manufacturing:** Outdoor furniture manufacturers have an opportunity to incorporate smart features into their products, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and charging ports, to attract customers. - **Smart City Technology Providers:** Smart city technology providers can help cities and organizations implement smart benches and other related infrastructure to create innovative public spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Tech-Friendly Beach Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-friendly-beach-chair.md) - [Rotating Solar Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eness-1.md) - [Rotating Solar-Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-solarpowered-bench-that-spins-ever-so-slowly.md) - [Interactive E-Waste Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cash-for-trash.md) - [Charitable Donation Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rokt.md) - [AI-Powered Cityscape Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-urban-furniture.md) - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Connective Non-Profit Funding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wingtap.md)