After working with Salesforce to develop a concept, KWF partnered with VML to create a seamless volunteer journey and complete the app to digitalise collections. “With VML, we found a partner with the right expertise to help finish the concept that was created with Salesforce. They understood the problem we wanted to solve and the impact we want to create with this new innovative app,” says Marloes Klaasen, ICT Architect at KWF. “The company had the right expertise on every role we needed, from senior consultancy and development to project management – which was key with really tight implementation programmes like this one. Our partnership with the company was open, fair, and realistic.”
The end-to-end digital solution not only had to be completed within tight timelines, but also had to provide good performance at scale. “By taking an agile approach, we were able to launch the pilot version on the Apple App Store and Google Play on schedule in just four months,” comments Gregor Aaij, Senior Business Consultant at VML.
Offering volunteers more control, flexibility, and fun
Volunteers are directed to a landing page to download the app. They then download the app from their chosen app store, create their profile, and select how they want to collect – street-by-street, a specific venue such as a football club, or online. “Volunteers can see what streets are available and choose where they want to collect in real time, so they can be spontaneous if they find themselves with an extra hour spare for collections,” explains Zirschky. “Each volunteer has a personalised QR code so donations are associated with them. This QR code will be sent to them and can be put on their clipboard to raise money door to door. They can also share a donation link via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and other social media channels to raise funds online.”
A central dashboard displays the amount of money collected across the country by geography, and volunteers can see how much they’ve raised personally. “Before, volunteers would only know how much they’d raised after scheduled counting sessions – now they can check their success on day-to-day basis, which is very motivating,” adds Zirschky. “The new approach also means volunteers no longer have to carry cash and can be more flexible as they can still register even during the collection week.”
