Text Message Donations Surpass $50,000 for Opération Enfant Soleil During 27th Annual Telethon

OTTAWA, June 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Mobile Giving Foundation Canada (MGFC) announced today the results of the highly successful mobile giving campaign for the recent Opération Enfant Soleil Telethon. As part of the 27^th annual telethon, cell phone users raised more than $50,000 through text message donations in less than 48 hours.

Opération Enfant Soleil has been working with MGFC to raise funds for the development of high-quality paediatrics and to contribute to social health projects for children in Quebec. In 2013, the charitable organization utilized one mobile giving keyword with one donation option of $10. During the recent 2014 telethon, the organization utilized two keywords with two donation options of $10 and $20. The additional keyword donation option this year resulted in a phenomenal increase of more than 250% over the previous year's text message donations.

"This campaign allows us to reach out to new donors and to generate spontaneous giving. Quebeckers' generosity towards sick children came through once more during this successful event," said Anne Hudon, Vice President of Communications, Events and Projects at Opération Enfant Soleil.

"I am extremely pleased with the success that Opération Enfant Soleil has seen by utilizing mobile giving to enhance and support its fundraising tools," said Bernard Lord, President of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Chairman of MGFC. "The year-over-year growth in donations that we have seen with the implementation of an additional keyword and different donation options is truly amazing."

Mobile giving campaigns, which are utilized by approximately 150 Canadian registered charities, provide an easy way for mobile phone users to donate small amounts - $5, $10, $20 or $25 - with a simple text message. For more information about the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, visit www.mobilegiving.ca.

About Opération Enfant Soleil
Opération Enfant Soleil is a non-profit organization that raises funds to develop high-quality paediatrics for all sick children in Quebec. Thanks to donations raised, hundreds of projects are carried out each year in major paediatric centres, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology and welcoming environments, and in regional hospitals, where children can be treated near their families. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of Quebeckers, the support of volunteers and the dedication of our partners, over $165 million has been distributed throughout the province. For more information, visit www.operationenfantsoleil.ca.

About the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada
The Mobile Giving Foundation Canada (MGFC) was founded in 2009 to create a "mobile giving channel" that empowers non-profit organizations and donors. MGFC provides the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for registered charities and donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology. The mobile giving channel gives Canadians a simple and immediate way to respond to appeals from worthy causes and have their donation charged to their wireless phone bill. 100 per cent of the donation is then remitted to the designated charity. Mobile giving campaigns are supported by Bell, Fido, Koodo, MTS, Rogers, Solo, TELUS, Videotron, Virgin Mobile and WIND Mobile. For further information, please refer to the MGFC Web site at www.MobileGiving.ca.

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SOURCE: Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

Ashlee Smith
CWTA
613-233-4888 ext. 227
[email protected]