Tsunami appeal boosted by text donations

World Vision New Zealand’s tsunami appeal reached $2.04m today after receiving a big boost from text message donations from mobile phones.

In only the first day the service became available over 6,500 mobile subscribers used the text service to make a $3 donation, raising nearly $20,000 in 24 hours.

World Vision New Zealand is partnering with mobile phone applications developer The Hyperfactory to conduct a text messaging campaign in aid of its tsunami appeal – the first New Zealand agency to do so.

Telecom and Vodafone subscribers can make a $3 donation by texting “Donate” to short code 883.

World Vision marketing director Bruce Waldin said he was amazed at the strong response.

“We anticipated the service would have special appeal to young people but this goes way beyond our expectations.”

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