Need a Source? Mobile apps for charitable giving

TORONTO, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - For many Canadians and Canadian charities, giving to non-profit organizations or fundraising for our favourite causes is an important and cherished part of holiday traditions. But one part of the tradition is being modernized this year. Old-style door-to-door fundraising and even office fundraising efforts are giving way to high-tech fundraising using social networks and mobile apps.

Canadian company Artez Interactive has developed a new application for iTunes that allows Non-profit organizations to create their own customizable apps, offering immediate and effective ways for people to give generously and organize broad social media driven fundraising efforts. The app allows fundraisers to reach out to their iPhone address books, Facebook Friend and Twitter follower lists to increase awareness of the cause they wish to fundraise for. Interactive benefits like mobile message boards and gauges to track progress against a goal also allow for easy interaction with friends and family on the fly. Fundraisers can even have donors make a person to person donation on their smartphone safely and securely using PayPal.

The Canadian Red Cross is at the forefront of this new approach to fundraising and is launching their first app to support the International Disaster Relief Fund this holiday season.

Almin Surani, CIO, Canadian Red Cross and Ian Hembery, Senior Vice President, Artez Interactive are available for interviews and can provide comment on:

• The future of fundraising
• How mobile giving and social media are changing fundraising campaigns
• How Canadians can launch a personal fundraising campaign this holiday season with the Canadian Red Cross app
• What non-profits can do to take advantage of mobile giving opportunities

If you're interested in an interview please contact:

Scott Taber
Media Profile
Direct: 416-342-1840
Cell: 647-888-9857
[email protected]