$5 Million in Text Messages
I used both my Facebook status and Twitter yesterday to share information on mobile giving for Haiti disaster relief organizations. I had a few people ask me how mobile giving worked and if it was safe, so I thought it would be worth posting a bit of information here.
Relief organizations began sharing text/mobile giving information almost immediately after the earthquakes devastated Port-au-Prince this Tuesday. The response to mobile giving has been tremendous on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. A a result, over $5 million has been raised to assist with Haitian relief efforts in the last 48 hours. This has been the largest mobile giving effort to date.
So, here’s how it works:
- Find a REPUTABLE organization accepting mobile gifts.
- The organization that you choose will give you a word to text to a specific text number (think American Idol voting).
- The gift amount per text is determined by the organization. Most are between $5-$10.
- Shortly after your text is sent, you will receive a text asking you to confirm your mobile gift. The photo in this post shows an example from my cell phone.
- Once your confirmation reply is sent your donation is complete.
- You will see your donation on your next cell phone bill. No checks! No credit cards!
If you are interested in donating to assist with the humanitarian aid efforts in Haiti, here are a few of my favorite organizations that accept mobile gifts:
- Red Cross – Text the word “HAITI” to 90999 to give $10
- Compassion International – Text the word “HELP” to 90999 to give $10
- Doctors Without Borders – Text the word “DOB” to 90999 to give $5
- Yele Haiti Foundation – Text a message to 501501 to give $5
- William J. Clinton Foundation – Text “HAITI” to 20222 to give $10
What organizations am I forgetting? What are your thoughts about mobile giving?
*Banner Photo: Associated Press
Hey…whatever gets the funds to get necessary supplies into people’s hands is fine with me. :) You have some good organizations on that list.
Jason – I agree!
Does anyone know if World Vision has a mobile giving number? I couldn’t find one but would want to include them if they have one. Thanks!
I thought there was a World Vision link yesterday….But, nothing on their twitter account about an easy way. All links go back to their website.
Shellie – Thanks for checking! Hmmm… maybe they don’t have one.
Also, Wayne Elsey with Soles for Soles says to text “SHOES” to 20222 for a one-time donation of $5. Trying to send 30 truckloads of shoes.
Found out World Visions number is: Text “Give” to 20222
I should also add that you can donate $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts by texting the word “HAITI” to 52000