New organisation spreads 'good karma'

November 2007

Ashley Rosshandler (BA 1998, BCom 1998)

An online venture offering Australia’s first charity gift vouchers was launched last month.

The karma currency foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with deductible gift recipient status. It was founded by Monash alumnus Ashley Rosshandler (BA 1998, BCom 1998) at a time in his life when he was overwhelmed by “useless” gifts.

“My friends were getting engaged and I didn’t want to give them another vase or photo frame. Similarly, my wife and I had just got engaged and had moved into our new house and were given all sorts of gifts we didn’t need,” he said.

The initiative allows companies and individuals to give karma currency (charity gift vouchers) to their family or friends, customers or colleagues. Voucher recipients can then redeem the voucher online and donate to the charity of their choice. They can ‘rescue an animal’, ‘save a child’, ‘protect women’s rights’, ‘educate a mind’ or support many other worthwhile causes.

“Karma currency gift vouchers are an empowerment tool which lets people share the gift of giving, whether it be to starving kids in Africa or a soup kitchen down the street,” Mr Rosshandler said.

The service means charities who pay a small monthly fee can reach out to donors outside their immediate giving network.

So far, 80 charities have joined karma currency and will be the recipients of donations from gift voucher holders. They include the Starlight Children’s Foundation, CARE Australia, the MS Society and Cancer Council Australia.

Mr Rosshandler, who is currently completing his MBA at Monash, hopes that karma currency will also appeal to businesses keen to establish their reputation as leaders of corporate social responsibility. He notes that businesses tend to spend vast amounts of money on generic Christmas presents each year for their employees and clients.

“One of the key benefits of this whole instrument is for corporations to reward their staff and customers and engage them in the giving process,” he said.

Link:

Karma currency website