Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how donated goods are processed for sale online, helping to generate additional income for its lifesaving service across the Midlands.
The technology is being introduced across the charity’s retail network, which includes shops in Hereford, Gloucester, Market Drayton, Merry Hill, Ross-on-Wye, Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent, Tipton, Wellington, West Bromwich and Worcester.
Provided by Minimist, the new AI-powered listing system enables shop teams to create online listings across platforms such as eBay and Vinted by taking a single photograph of a donated item.
In under 30 seconds, the system can generate a complete listing, including a product description, pricing suggestion, size information and virtual model imagery where appropriate, giving donated goods access to a wider audience while helping retail teams process stock more efficiently.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does not receive any Government funding and relies entirely on public generosity to operate its lifesaving service. Every sale made through its shops and online marketplaces helps fund its helicopters, fleet of critical care cars as well as the specialist crews and equipment required to deliver advanced pre-hospital emergency care across its six country region.
Amy Petherick, regional manager at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Introducing Minimist is a major step forward for our retail operation. It allows our shop teams to process more donated items, create professional online listings quicker, easier and reach more buyers through online marketplaces. Most importantly, every additional sale helps generate vital income to keep delivering our lifesaving service. This technology has the potential to make a real difference to our fundraising and, ultimately, the communities we serve.”
Lauren Davies, UK Sales Executive at Minimist, said: “Minimist was developed specifically to support charity retailers with the challenges of processing and selling donated stock online. We are proud to support Midlands Air Ambulance Charity as it explores how AI can help its teams and volunteers work more efficiently.”
Volunteers are also being recruited across Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s shops to support the new online retail operation. They will help photograph and upload donated items using the Minimist app, helping more pre-loved products find new homes while generating income for the charity.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com/get-involved/volunteering/
