CauseWorld, an app that combines location-based games with charitable causes, is letting users donate to a charity of their choice -- by scanning their jar of Miracle Whip.
CauseWorld, the first project from Shopkick, has applied its charity-themed programs to apps such as Foursquare and Gowalla. Users of the free iPhone app can accrue "karma" by scanning the barcode on their grocery items. Several companies -- including Kraft and Procter & Gamble -- will translate that karma into donations.
Scan-ready items include Pampers diapers, Tide detergent, and Ritz crackers, reports Ad Age. Kraft has included 32 of its own products in the program.
Since its introduction last December, the app has generated a monthly value of $200,000 for a variety of causes. Citi and Kraft funded the initial $500,000 that was made for donations. To prevent any abuse, users are limited to one scan per day. Their scans can also reward them with badges, which are posted up on Facebook for viewing.
