ECHOage

ECHOage is a Canadian online platform designed to manage children's birthday party celebrations by integrating charitable giving. The company was founded in 2008 by Debbie Zinman, a former teacher, and Alison Smith, a former kids' furniture and clothing designer. The idea emerged from a shared desire to instill a sense of community and giving in their own children while simplifying the party planning process for parents. They aimed to shift the focus from an excess of small gifts to a more meaningful experience involving charity.

The platform's core function is to facilitate a dual-purpose group gift. Hosts use the service to send e-invitations and manage their guest list. Instead of physical presents, guests contribute money securely online through the ECHOage portal. These collected funds are then pooled together. By default, the funds are split evenly, with 50% directed to a charity chosen by the birthday child and the other 50% given to the child to purchase a more significant, desired gift. However, hosts have the flexibility to adjust this percentage split according to their preference. This model serves parents who wish to teach their children about philanthropy and reduce the clutter of unwanted toys.

The business operates as a B2C service, targeting parents who are planning parties and events for their children. Revenue is generated through administrative fees taken from the donations. The service streamlines party logistics by handling invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you notes, offering convenience to busy parents. ECHOage provides a curated list of charities to support, but also allows users to suggest new ones, creating a broad platform for social responsibility. The company has received funding from investors, including Lionfish Capital, and holds patents for its event management systems.

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