itison us is being launched in Edinburgh - after more than 1,000 people benefitted in its initial rollout

A scheme that sees volunteers and the vulnerable experience special days out is set to be expanded.

Daily deals service and online marketing company, itison announced the launch of its major new charity initiative in May.

itison us launched in Glasgow, with a mission to spread smiles to thousands of people who need it most each month; focusing on the power of respite and giving amazing experiences. After a fantastic start, itison is expanding the initiative to include Edinburgh.

In the first month, itison us has supported six local charities and donated over 1,000 experiences, including family tickets to Loch Lomond Faerie Trail; overnight stays including dinner and spa access at Norton House Hotel and tickets to Little Miss Sunshine at the King’s Theatre.

itison us matchmakes local charities with businesses to give them great experiences: a night away; dinners; family days out. Charities can then use these vouchers to provide respite for the people they support, the volunteers giving their time to the charity or to fundraise.

In the capital, itison us will support three great local charities in the first month: Midlothian Sure Start, Edinburgh Young Carers and Grassmarket Community Project with a plan to continue to roll out across other cities shortly.

Oli Norman, chief executive at itison said: “Our goal is to create major impact in each of the cities we live and work in. itison us will ensure thousands of people across Edinburgh get additional support and the ability to enjoy amazing experiences that put a smile on their face. When you think about charity you don’t often think about the power of respite or giving a smile, that’s exactly what itison us does.

“itison members don’t need to do anything – we’re not only going to donate if you buy something or ask you to pay anything at all. We’re not doing this to increase sales, we’re doing it because we can.”