World Vision adds texting donations

World Vision New Zealand has partnered with mobile applications developer The Hyperfactory to conduct a text messaging campaign as part of its tsunami appeal.

Telecom and Vodafone mobile subscribers can now make a $3 donation to the relief effort by texting the word 'DONATE' to short code 883.

World Vision is the first New Zealand charity to use texting technology in an international emergency relief campaign.

The Hyperfactory is not charging for development or management of the campaign, nor will it receive any percentage of the money raised.

Bruce Waldin, marketing director for World Vision New Zealand, said that he was thrilled with the national text promotion, initiated by The Hyperfactory and supported by Telecom, Vodafone and advertising agency FCB.

"We hope to reach a very wide range of New Zealanders through the text campaign, and make it as simple as possible to make a donation to the enormous relief effort."

"New Zealanders continue to be hugely generous in their response to the devastation they have seen in southern Asia," said Mr Waldin. "We hope that other organisations will follow this example in partnering with World Vision to help the tsunami victims.""

Geoffrey Handley, director of sales and marketing at The Hyperfactory, said that partnering with World Vision was a tremendous opportunity for his company to make a practical contribution.

"We are delighted at being able to donate our time and energy to conduct this campaign," said Mr Handley. "Using SMS opens up opportunities to encourage a younger audience to donate, and makes it easy for them to make their own contribution at an affordable level."

Donations will be deducted from the bill payers' accounts, either post-pay or pre-pay. Normal carrier charges will apply.

Other partners supporting the campaign are: The Internet Bureau, George FM, Base FM, JuiceTV, nzcity.co.nz, nzherald.co.nz, scoop.co.nz, telecom.co.nz, varsity.co.nz and xtra.co.nz.