By: Steph Dlugon
According to the Washington Post, “The American Red Cross has received more than $22 million in U.S. text-message donations for Haiti earthquake relief efforts, far outpacing the charity’s previous record of $400,000 for emergency relief using similar technology.”
While most of the funds have poured in via more conventional means such as online pledges and corporate donations, the $22 million figure translates to roughly 20% of the total raised by the Red Cross since the devastating earthquake rocked the impoverished island nation on January 12th. “It’s truly an unprecedented amount for a text campaign,” said American Red Cross spokesman Roger Lowe.
Wireless providers are even forgoing their standard text message fees. “We make no money on this,” said Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson.
The American Red Cross isn’t the only aid organization with an SMS fund raising campaign. A program established by The Mobile Giving Foundation enables users to text $5 or $10 donations on behalf of a number of organizations to help the relief efforts in Haiti.
How to Help
The Mobile Giving Foundation compiled the list of organizations you can donate to via text.
Text the word “Haiti” to 501501 to donate $10
On behalf of the Yéle Foundation, the leading contributor to rebuilding Haiti founded by Wyclef Jean
Text the word “Quake” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
Text the word “Haiti” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of the Clinton Foundation Haiti Relief Fund
Text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10
On behalf of the Salvation Army
Text the word “Hope10” or “UNICEF” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of UNICEF
Text the word “Habitat” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of Habitat for Humanity
Text the word “Haiti” to 40579 to donate $10
On behalf of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)
Text the word “Oxfam” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of Oxfam America, Inc.
Text the word “Save” or “Safe” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of Save the Children Federation, Inc.
Text the word “Give” or “World” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of World Vision Inc.
Text the word “Haiti” to 85944 to donate $10
On behalf of the International Medical Corps
Text the word “Haiti” to 25383 to donate $5
On behalf of the International Rescue Committee
Text the word “Care” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. (CARE)
Text the word “Live” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of Americares, Inc.
Text the word “Give” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of the MTV telethon
Text the word “AJWS” to 25383 to donate $10
On behalf of the American Jewish World Service
Text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10
On behalf of the American Red Cross in the U.S.
