Text 2HELP: Supporting Disaster Victims in the U.S.
From Shareideas
Text 2HELP™ enables wireless subscribers in the U.S. to text message an instant $5 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help those being served by disaster relief efforts in the United States.
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Story
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, the Wireless Foundation joined in partnership with the American Red Cross to develop a mechanism through which citizens could make fast, easy donations in the event of future disasters. In just two months, more than $100,000 was raised for the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. Realizing this arrangement could help victims of future natural disasters, the partnering organizations established a permanent text messaging response system.
The result was Text 2HELP™. Through the program, customers of participating wireless carriers simply text message “2HELP” (24357), with the keyword “GIVE,” to make a $5.00 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts in the event of a large-scale disaster.
The amount appears on the customer’s bill, or is debited from prepaid account balances, with 100 percent of the donation amount going to relief efforts. Those using the service are charged the customary fee for transmitting a text message. Individuals are able to make up to four $5.00 donations on their account at a time.
Text 2HELP™ is made available in the event of a large-scale national disaster. In February 2007, for example, the program was activated to raise support for tornado victims in Central Florida. Funds were used to provide food, shelter, counseling, and other assistance.
The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of over 180 national societies, which work to restore hope and dignity to the world’s most vulnerable people. Established in 1881, the American Red Cross provides fast relief to victims of natural disasters and “helps people to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergency situations.”
How it was done
Text 2HELP™ is being carried out with the following wireless carriers: AT&T Mobility, Alltel, Boost Mobile, Dobson Communications Corporation, Sprint/Nextel, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. VeriSign powers the intelligent messaging infrastructure that enables the short message service.
Customers using the Text 2HELP™ service receive a text message after they have used the service, asking them to approve their $5.00 donation. A second message confirms that the donation was made.
Technology used
- Raise money - How to raise money with mobile tools.
