The Russian model hopes her new app ELBI will help make donation an everyday habit.
- Apr 19, 2018
AceShowbiz - Natalia Vodianova is changing the face of charity with her new app ELBI.
The 36-year-old Russian model has teamed up with business partner Timon Afinsky to launch the new app, which harnesses the power of social media "likes".
Instead of just being able to like a picture on social media, Elbi introduces users to new charities, before allowing them to press the "LoveButton", which then sees them donate $1 to that particular cause.
Natalia came up with the idea when she posted a picture on Instagram and it attracted 30,000 likes in just minutes.
"I strongly wanted those likes to become meaningful," she told Teen Vogue. "How can we capture that energy and harness it for good?"
"What if alongside the 'like' button, there was a 'love' button, and when you press it, you're saying, 'I want to help these people; I want everybody to help these people.' And you do it by putting a little donation behind it."
Natalia and Timon already have charities on board in more than 88 countries, with 100,000 donations made so far. And the ex Calvin Klein star has high hopes that Elbi will help change the face of philanthropy as we know it.
"I am looking forward to seeing when all those little actions from all over the world will make a big difference," she smiled. "I will be able to share a message with you about a child that needs urgent operation and you will be able to donate in the message there and then and pass it on to others to donate."
"This is Elbi's future, and we are working hard to make it happen soon. The ultimate dream is to truly disrupt the future of giving. To make it an everyday habit just like checking your socials."
