Depaul UK is revolutionizing the way we give back with the world’s first live action charity iPhone app. iHobo is a virtual hobo that lives on your phone for three days. Feed him, provide him with small change, warmth and support and help him make it through three days on the street in one piece, without becoming addicted to drugs or worse.
Each year 75,000 young people in the UK become homeless and 3 out or 4 of them turn to drugs. Depaul UK is the largest charitable organization working to raise money and prevent homelessness. However, their average donor is 65 or older. The organization is looking to attract a new generation of young, affluent donors and what better way than through social media and applications?
Chief Executive of Depaul UK Paul Marriott talks about the goal of the iHobo application:
“Homeless young people are often stereotyped and looked down upon. When they sleep rough, they are highly vulnerable and face very real risks. But they are just like any other young person and, with the right support, they can be back on their feet and fulfill their undoubted potential. By creating this app we aim to dispel negative stereotypes of young homeless people and raise awareness of the reasons that young people become homeless and the emotions that they feel. We wanted to create an app that would stand out and make people pay attention, and make people think about how they can make a difference.”
Depaul’s hope is that after iPhone users spend three days with their virtual iHobo they will gain a better understanding of what it’s like for young homeless youth living on the street. When the game ends, users will be prompted to make a donation to Depaul UK or to replay the game. The video below illustrates how the app works.
The iHobo application is currently available only in the UK, where it has been a huge success. It hit the number one spot on the free app download chart earlier this week, with over 100,000 downloads. £2000 has been donated to Depaul UK so far. What do you think of this unique live action charity strategy?
