Since Light the World Giving Machines were first introduced in 2017, thousands of donations have been made through charitable organizations to directly benefit people in Africa.
Now, Giving Machines have arrived on the African continent for the first time. On Nov. 30, Giving Machines were unveiled at Sarit mall in Nairobi, Kenya.
The red vending machines are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — which covers all operating costs — and allow someone to buy something for someone else through local, national and international charity partners. In bringing the machines to Kenya, the Africa Central Area presidency wanted to create the opportunity for Africans to give to Africans.
During the grand opening, 10 choirs sang throughout the four levels of the mall, walking toward the Giving Machines as they sang. Thirteen of the singers were from West Pokot County in Kenya and are past beneficiaries of Giving Machines donations, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
After the unveiling of the Giving Machines, the first donation was made by Elder Christophe Giraud-Carrier, General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Africa Central Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Isabelle Giraud-Carrier. Participants in the grand opening then lined up to be among the first to give as well.
“We know that Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the Light of the World,” Elder Giraud-Carrier said. “He has invited us to uphold that light. We try to do this every day, but particularly around the Christmas season.”
Partners in Kenya include Kenya Red Cross, UNICEF, Uthabiti Africa, Clean Up Kenya, Church World Service and Caritas Kenya.
Christine Odero with Uthabiti Africa said that by donating, people will “ensure in this festive season, every child is lightened, every child is touched.”
Sarit is the busiest mall in East Africa with over 25,000 mall patrons per day. The owner and CEO, Sarit Shah, said it was an honor to host the Giving Machines as they stand for compassion, service and community.
“In collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machines represent something truly extraordinary,” Shah said. “They offer each of us a simple, yet profound way to give back — whether it’s through providing farming animals, food, clothing, educational supplies or medical aid to those in need."
The machines will be at the mall through Jan. 15, 2025. “What better time to reflect on the power of giving than during this season of joy, compassion and community?” Shah asked.
