Salvation Army to Accept Haiti Relief Donations via Text Message

Canadians can donate to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund by texting HAITI to 45678

TORONTO , Jan. 14 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army has activated its Text to Donate program in support of the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. Canadians can make a $5.00 donation to The Salvation Army's efforts in Haiti by texting the word HAITI to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone. Donors will then receive a message asking them to confirm their donation with a YES reply. The proceeds of each text donation will support the ongoing efforts to serve the victims of the recent horrific earthquake that has left thousands dead and many more without adequate food, clean water or shelter.

"Our immediate focus is the safety and welfare of those affected by this terrible tragedy," said Graham Moore , Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada . "The mobile giving program is another way to raise funds in support of this vital relief effort."

In addition to the text message donation program, Canadians can support The Salvation Army's relief effort in Haiti by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda , 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto , Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. The call centre (1-800-SAL-ARMY) and SalvationArmy.ca are accepting donations.

According to Moore, when texting HAITI to 45678 via a mobile phone, a micro-donation of $5 will be made to aid the millions of people affected by this tragedy. One-hundred percent of each donation will go to The Salvation Army to serve this vital need. The donation will appear as a charge on a donor's carrier bill, and standard rates may apply. Service is available on most carriers. Donors can unsubscribe at any time by replying to the message or texting the word 'STOP' to 45678.

Mobile technology company Zipstripe partnered with The Salvation Army to provide this service. The Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF Canada ), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping other non-profits raise funds through mobile, enabled the transactions between donors and their carriers.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 119 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

About The Mobile Giving Foundation

The Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF Canada ) was founded in 2007 to create a "mobile giving channel" that empowers non-profit organizations and donors. Working with North America's top mobile carriers, the MGF Canada enables the mobile channel for charitable giving by providing the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for non-profit organizations and donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology. The "Mobile Giving Channel" gives wireless users a simple and immediate way to receive and respond to appeals from worthy causes with the donation charged back to the carrier bill and 100% of the donation going to the designated charity. For further information, please refer to the MGF Canada Web site at www.mobilegiving.org.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director, [phone], [email protected]; www.SalvationArmy.ca