WeBuyBooks, the online specialist bookseller, has automated their payment system to enable customers to donate directly to rugby legend Doddie Weir’s MND research foundation.
The major effort means that both the book company’s website and app allows customers to donate their money to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Instead of entering their payment details at checkout, customers can simply choose to donate to the charity instead.
WeBuyBooks, who had already partnered with JRR Tolkien’s family to auction off a rare first edition of The Hobbit to benefit Doddie’s foundation, has revealed that the charity sector is increasingly using their platform.
“With one click our customers will be able to contribute to the fight against motor neurone disease and donte to Doddie’s foundation,” said Ben Wadsworth, 33, marketing manager at WeBuyBooks.
“We are delighted to help support Doddie’s battle and the important search for a cure for motor neurone disease.
“The ability to help support this cause is something we think our customers will welcome.
“Post pandemic has been a tough economic period for charities and our platform is used by many of them to generate income.”
Doddie Weir, who won 61 caps for his country, thanked customers for their ongoing support.
“The generosity of the public in supporting the work of the Foundation has been amazing,” he said.
Doddie, who has battled MND for six years, had previously called on the government to pay more attention to the disease.
“It deserves more focus, more funding and a targeted research programme,” he said.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was launched as a registered charity in 2017.
The number “5” features in the Foundation’s name as a reference to Doddie’s playing number for his rugby clubs, Melrose, Newcastle Falcons and Scotland.
Doddie’s foundation was established in response to the sporting legend’s frustration at the lack of options given to MND disease sufferers and has since provided hope to thousands of people.
Speaking about the WeBuyBooks development, Jill Douglas, CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said:
“This is a great partnership that will give people another way to support the Foundation.
“Every penny raised helps us invest in research to help finding meaningful treatments and ultimately a cure for motor neurone disease.
“This initiative is another great way for people to get involved.”
Customers this year have made an average of nearly £30 by selling their items to WeBuyBooks.
And when users sell over £25 worth of items the company automatically increases the amount they pay by 5%.
