International Day of Charity invites us to consider how we can make charity central to our work, action, and lives. We all want to do good, but our world is a busy one, and it’s not always easy to make time and space for generosity.
On eBay, where 132 million active buyers engage with nearly 2.1 billion listings every day, commerce is always in motion. But what if charitable giving were as commonplace as buying and selling goods?
Enter: eBay for Charity.
eBay for Charity makes philanthropy core to the user experience on eBay’s marketplace. The platform allows buyers and sellers to support causes they care about, whether by purchasing items with proceeds going to charity or by listing their own goods with a portion of the sale directed to a nonprofit.
As a result, eBay’s eclectic marketplace becomes a powerful tool for giving. In 2023 alone, buyers and sellers on eBay for Charity helped raise nearly $162 million for charity.
It also means that many of the over 225K organizations using the eBay for Charity platform are funded in part by some one-of-a-kind, unexpected, and exciting products.
In celebration of this global holiday, we’re spotlighting a few of the incredible organizations that use our platform — and the surprising items whose proceeds have supported them.
Boys & Girls Club: Collectors Edition Zaxby’s Zax Sauce
Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) has long been a cornerstone for youth development, providing safe spaces and mentorship for millions of young people. Through eBay for Charity, BGCA found a unique way to add a bit of spice to their fundraising efforts.
In 2023, eBay for Charity partnered with cult-classic American chicken chain Zaxby’s to auction off the first ever bottled Zaxby’s Zax Sauce. The winner, bidding an impressive $30,000, went home with this collector's bottle, plus a lifetime supply of Zaxby’s sauce. The proceeds went directly to the Boys & Girls Club, supporting their ongoing efforts to empower the next generation.
Canopy Planet Foundation: Vogue London Fashion Week
eBay has long been a go-to destination for finding coveted pre-loved fashion. In a special collaboration with eBay, British Vogue auctioned off runway pieces donated by top designers, including a stunning Stella McCartney gown straight from the catwalk at Vogue London Fashion Week.
The $63,800 raised supported Canopy Planet Foundation’s mission to create sustainable supply chains, demonstrating how the fashion industry can contribute to protecting the planet’s most vital ecosystems.
Deckaid: Girl Skateboards Custom Shoes and Skate Decks
Deckaid, a nonprofit committed to preserving skateboarding culture and fostering youth engagement, recently teamed up with Girl Skateboards to celebrate Girl’s 30th anniversary. Deckaid curated “Three Decades of Girl,” an exhibit offering a skate down memory lane by showcasing skate culture and the brand’s evolution through vintage items, archival decks, and collectible shoes.
The custom-designed shoes and skate decks were auctioned to eager collectors, with proceeds supporting Deckaid’s mission to inspire and engage the next generation of skaters, ensuring that skateboarding’s cultural legacy continues to thrive.
The Union Solidarity Coalition: Celebrity Experiences
In response to the recent Hollywood strikes, The Union Solidarity Coalition (TUSC) united creatives to support crew members affected by work stoppages. Partnering with eBay for Charity, TUSC hosted a series of auctions featuring exclusive celebrity experiences.
From dinner with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross to a Zoom session solving crossword puzzles with Natasha Lyonne, and even a custom mural painted by Lena Dunham, these auctions offered fans unique opportunities to connect with their favorite stars. The initiative raised over $211,000, providing crucial support to crew members who lost their health insurance during the strikes.
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There are countless opportunities for people, organizations, and even industries to make a meaningful impact. Through eBay for Charity, we’re proud to help our community turn commerce into a force for good.
Shop with purpose on the eBay Charity Shop or learn how to sell for a cause here.