North East fintech platform, Torch, launched its debit card in September’26 with Red Sky Foundation announced as the first charity sign up in a bid to transform how local charities secure vital funding.
Torch is a debit card that turns everyday spending into support for good causes. When customers pay, the merchant pays a small fee, just like they would with any card. Half of what Torch earns from a customer’s everyday spending goes to a charity they choose. This comes at no extra cost to the user or the charity, starting from their first purchase.
By enabling customers to generate donations through everyday transactions – from buying a morning coffee, eating out with friends, or buying the weekly shop – the aim of Torch is to build a sustainable, long-term funding model for non-profit organisations across the North East.
Ozan Demir, Founder of Torch, said: “Bringing Torch Card to life is a major milestone for us, and having Red Sky Foundation as our very first charity partner makes it even more meaningful. Red Sky does vital, life-changing work supporting cardiac patients and their families across the North East, and we are incredibly proud to stand behind their mission.
“Through our partnership, every Torch Card purchase can help support this important work, turning everyday spending into a force for good. We hope this is just the beginning, and that other fantastic charities across the North East will join us in creating lasting, positive impact through Torch Card.”
The partnership comes at a crucial time for local charities seeking innovative ways to maintain income without placing additional financial pressures on supporters.
Sergio Petrucci, Founder of Red Sky Foundation, said: “The idea behind Torch, to exist for the good of charities, is both inspiring and refreshing, and we are thrilled to be working with them at such an early stage in their exciting journey. As a small charity, Red Sky Foundation are always looking for new ways to generate income, to keep up the life-saving work that we do. It’s important that we are able to identify new funding sources, so we are not continuously asking the same supporters for donations.
“Partnering with Torch cards opens the door to a fantastic new funding stream. Our supporters can sign up and begin generating money for Red Sky Foundation with no cost and very little effort, with the knowledge that every purchase made using their Torch card supports their favourite charity.”