SMS chat and micro billing service providers Mobile Bridges have started a tsunami relief campaign via mobile phone text messaging, with the proceeds being donated to UNICEF and the Red Cross.
Several of the company’s clients showed interest in the campaign, which will benefit relief efforts in Asia and eastern Africa as inhabitants struggle to clean up from the December 26 tsunami that swept through the Indian Ocean, killing more than 120,000 and damaging billions of dollars worth of property. Mobile Bridges launched the campaign in the U.S., United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands December 28.
Donations can be made in the U.S. by creating a text message with the words “GO ASIA” and sending it to the short code 46898. A $1.99 debit is made from the sender’s phone bill for each message sent.
“We’ve received more than 10,000 messages already, but we’re just beginning. Because we’ve allocated the code ASIA at all of our connections we’re able to support this campaign for the coming months,” Mobile Bridges managing director Alexander Reus told AVNOnline.com. “All messages will be processed and the incoming funds will be handed over to Unicef and the international Red Cross. They really know how to help, we’re just mobile payment and chat specialists.”
For information on donating in other countries, visit www.mobilebridges.com.
