Why the change of name
A family might have a roof over their heads but be choosing between heating their home and buying school shoes. A cancer patient might have specific nutritional needs that a standard food bank parcel can’t meet. These are the “invisible” crises that Theresa knew PIF Vouchers could help solve.
## Why E-Vouchers are a Game-Changer
To meet this growing need, the charity pivoted to a digital-first model. Today, we provide *e-vouchers* (starting at a minimum of £10) that can be sent directly to a recipient’s phone or email or via a partner organisation.
These vouchers aren’t just convenient; they are a bridge to the high street. By partnering with major retailers, we ensure that help is accessible wherever the recipient is located. Our vouchers can be redeemed at:
* *Aldi* and *Iceland* for fresh groceries.
* *Boots* for hygiene products and medicine.
* *Primark* for essential clothing and bedding.
This flexibility is crucial. For someone with specific [dietary and ethical preferences](https://www.pifgiftvouchers.org/vision), a voucher is the only way to ensure they get food that is safe and appropriate for them: whether that’s gluten-free, halal, or dairy-free options.
Collaborative Kindness: We Can’t Do It Alone
Theresa’s vision has always been rooted in community. Pay It Forward Vouchers is a 100% volunteer-run registered charity (1196690), and we operate entirely on the generosity of others.
*With huge thanks to* our donors and corporate partners, we’ve been able to expand our reach across the country. We work hand-in-hand with frontline organisations: homelessness services, schools, and domestic abuse shelters: who know exactly who needs help in their community.
By providing these organisations with vouchers, we empower them to offer immediate, practical support. As one of our partner staff members shared: “Being able to hand a parent a voucher so they can buy their child a new coat for school, right there and then, is such a lovely, nice feeling. It changes the dynamic from ‘charity’ to ‘community support’.”
## How to Help the Homeless and Families in Crisis
If you’ve ever wondered *how to help the homeless* or provide *help for families in crisis* in a way that truly makes a difference, Theresa’s story offers a clear path.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to provide the choice.
Here is how you can join Theresa in this mission:
1. *Donate directly:* Every penny donated goes toward a voucher. We use platforms like [Zeffy](https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/d141e649-74d6-4447-9759-33b66df87342) and [Easyfundraising](https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pifvouchers/) to ensure 100% of your donation reaches those in need.
2. *Spread the word:* Follow us on social media and share our stories. The more people know about the “dignity-first” approach, the more we can change the landscape of crisis support.
3. *Partner with us:* If you are a business or a local organisation, get in touch via our [website](https://www.pifgiftvouchers.org/). We are always looking for new ways to collaborate and expand our network of support.
## A Legacy of Choice
From a single observation on a Cambridge street to a national network of support, Theresa’s journey shows that one person’s desire to treat others with dignity can spark a movement.
Today, Pay It Forward Vouchers continues to be guided by that original spark. We believe that everyone deserves the right to choose. We believe that a voucher is more than just money: it’s a message that says, “We trust you, we value you, and we want you to have exactly what you need.”
Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we are making the high street a place of hope for everyone.