This New Platform Lets You Buy One-Off Luxe Experiences and Support Worthy Causes at the Same Time

A new platform that curates premium experiences has launched in Australia, offering once-in-a-lifetime adventures in support of various charities and non-profits.

IfOnly is part of Big Red Group, best known in Australia for online booking site RedBalloon, which sells gift “experiences” – think skydiving, spa treatments or weekends away. IfOnly also offers gift experiences, but with an exclusive, one-off twist, featuring local and international celebrities, chefs, athletes and fashion icons – and with price tags to match.

Up to 80 per cent of the profit from each experience will be donated to charity, including notable organisations such as OzHarvest, Two Good, the Children’s Tumour Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue. An American version of the site launched in 2012 with the goal of providing special, one-off experiences to people while also doing social good – and the Australian version works much the same way.

“Globally, there is a shift towards ‘things to do’ over ‘things to own’, and Australia is leading the charge,” Big Red Group co-founder Naomi Simson tells Broadsheet. “People more than ever want to align themselves with brands that are driven by purpose – that have a true social conscience and that are actively giving back to the community.”

Among the premium experiences on offer is a private lunch by famed chef Peter Gilmore accompanied by an orchestral performance, priced at $3334 per person, with proceeds going to OzHarvest and dinner with cricket legend Michael Clarke at the Sydney Cricket Ground, priced at $3950 per person in support of the Cancer Council.

Other experiences include a private whisky tasting with Simson ($988 per person, for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance); surfing with Blake Johnston in Cronulla ($600 per person for Beyond Blue); and a chauffeured day spa and dining experience for two in the Yarra Valley ($650 per person, benefitting autistic-led non-profit Yellow Ladybugs).

IfOnly’s partner “luminaries” – their term for experience hosts – decide which charity their event will support. It could be one they’re affiliated with as an ambassador, or just a cause that’s close to their heart.

IfOnly is available in Sydney and Melbourne.

ifonly.com