Newport Now BID today launches a partnership between its city centre gift card and online crowdfunding service Collection Pot.

The new Town and Cities Collection Pot scheme allows people to collect money to say thank you to key workers for everything they are doing for us during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Newport city centre businesses at the same time.

The partnership allows money to be collected online and for funds to then be loaded on to a Newport Now gift card that can only be spent at city centre businesses as they continue, or return to, trading.

Newport Now BID represents more than 600 businesses in the city centre.

Newport Now BID manager Kevin Ward said:

“Working together with Collection Pot during the current crisis makes so much sense.

“At times like these we all need to do what we can to help. We need to collaborate, innovate and provide resources to support local businesses and the communities they serve.

“This new partnership enables people to join forces to support key workers and volunteers as well as providing friends and family with a great gift that shows their support for their local businesses, at a time when local businesses are working hard to adapt and support the community.”

People can start raising money for key workers and supporting local businesses today here: https://towncitygiftcard.collectionpot.com/

Collection Pot provides an innovative way for an individual or organisation to set up an online collection pot for any occasion.

As well as raising money to say thank you to key workers like NHS or care home staff, teachers or delivery drivers, local companies can support Newport city centre businesses by promoting the scheme to their staff or by buying Newport Now gift cards directly for employee incentives. This will directly benefit the 80-plus city centre businesses that accept the card, helping to safeguard the future of the city centre. More information on the Newport Now gift card is available here: www.newportgiftcard.co.uk