As a member of our media department here at CurrentMarketing, I am a firm believer in the power of numbers. I am especially impressed when the power is driven solely by a large group of people, working together to make a difference. Our world has experienced natural and man-made disasters of equal magnitude, all of which have produced some of the most moving scenes and inspirational stories.
You hear it everywhere you go. "I just don't have time." I truly believe that people want to help, but as life goes, most people can't seem to find the leftover hours in the day to volunteer at their local shelter, ring the Salvation Army Bell, or pack food boxes for Dare to Care.
When I first read about this company, I knew I had to share the story on UnderCurrent, because frankly everyone has time to text. We all have time and how easily we forget, that it's how you spend your time that really matters. We are now in the age, when a text message can be the beginning of a significant event in history.
mGive began as a 25-person mobile software company whose initial mission was to recruit non-profits to adopt mobile giving. Metro United Way, for example, can sign on and any fundraiser or donations they accept will be transmitted through text message. As grassroots movements go, it was very difficult for founder, James Eberhard, to recruit even one NPO to jump on board. Eberhard put over $4 million of his own money into the company before the morning of January 13, 2010 at 4:30a.m. when the State Department reached him to get a very specific mobile giving campaign going for Haiti.
Literally hours later his company launched a national campaign that allowed people to donate $10 to a number of different charities via cell phone. Thanks to the many cell phone carriers that waived their fees and allowed pledges to show up on the next month's bill, people could text the word HAITI to the number 90999 and the dollars would instantly show. And they did!
To date, more than $40 million has been raised for Haiti. We always say we need things faster and easier. It doesn't get much better than this! If you want to feel like you've helped in some small way, I urge you to find the time to text. Here are just a few U.S. organizations offering mobile giving campaigns:
- American Red Cross: Text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10.
- The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: Text the word “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10.
- Salvation Army: Text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10.
- UNICEF: Text the word “Hope10” or “UNICEF” to 20222 to donate $10.
- National Religious Broadcasters (NRB): Text the word “Haiti” to 40579 to donate $10.
- Save the Children Federation: Text the word “Save” or “Safe” to 20222 to donate $10.
- World Vision: Text the word “Give” or “World” to 20222 to donate $10.
- Americares: Text the word “Americares” to 25383 to donate $10.
- Habitat for Humanity: Text the word “Habitat” to 25383 to donate $10.
- American Jewish World Service: Text the word “AJWS” to 25383 to donate $10.