For over a century Scotland’s largest Veterans’ charity Erskine has been on journey of innovation and evolution. 

Ever aware of the changing demographics of the fundraising world, Erskine is the first Veterans charity in Scotland to empower supporters by enabling one-off donations to be made through Amazon Alexa speakers – using amazon Pay. 

Donations received through the Amazon Alexa speaker will help fund vital enhanced care services, as well as playing a crucial role in helping Veterans with differing abilities live with things that impact them. Whether a Veteran is living with dementia, reduced mobility or loss of independence - or indeed confidence, funding received through the Amazon skill will allow them to enjoy the high quality of life that they so richly deserve.

Commenting on what this launch means for the charity, Ian Cumming Erskine Chief Executive, said: “The launch of this new revolutionary donation method, marks an incredibly exciting time for Erskine as a charity - and highlights our commitment to embrace new technologies. Amazon Alexa, in our quest to fulfil our mission to offer Veterans ‘Futures for the Brave’ – will give our many patrons across Scotland, and indeed the UK, the ability to give to Erskine, by simply speaking to their Amazon Alexa speaker – essentially turning it into a digital collection tin”.

Erskine Ambassador Sarah Smith was delighted to participate in a demonstration video guiding supporters through the simple donate process.  She said: “These days, more and more people find themselves using digital devices. To be able to donate to Erskine easily is simply amazing and so exciting for the charity to be using such up to date technology.  The funding received will go to helping Veterans from across the Erskine family.  My own father was a resident for several years, and I know first-hand of the marvellous work done.  Even if an audio donation pays for an outing that brings pleasure to one Veteran, that makes this innovation so worthwhile”.

Sara Bannerman Head of Erskine Fundraising and Communications said: “We are very excited to add the Amazon Alexa donate option to the extensive list of ways our supporters can help support our Veterans.  Whether a donation comes in via the post, online or by telephone, every penny goes towards providing ‘Futures for the Brave”.

To get started one time setup:

1. Visit this link to download the Erskine Donations Skill. When you are downloading, make sure you give permissions for the skill to use Amazon Pay. 
2. Once downloaded, command your Alexa device to open Erskine Donations by saying “Alexa, open Erskine Donations”
3. Ask to make a donation. A minimum donation is £2.
4. If you could go through the process above and note down anything that goes wrong, or anything that isn’t that clear.
5. And finally, you can further support Erskine’s roll out of the Alexa Skill by leaving a review of the skill via your app or Alexa Desktop account.
   If you have any feedback on our Erskine Donations Skill, or you would like assistance in using it, please email: amazon@erskine.org.uk 

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate