mGive, disaster relief partners launch campaigns to aid flood-affected victims in Pakistan

Aug 7 2010

In response to the damaging floods that struck Pakistan this week, mGive and several of its disaster relief partners quickly mobilized to launch text donation campaigns that will aid victims by distributing tents, relief supplies and humanitarian assistance. According to the UN, at least 1,400 people have died and more than three million people have been affected by the floods, which are the worst in Pakistan's history. More aid is desperately needed, and the spread of water-borne illnesses is a major concern.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said about 46 of Pakistan's 135 districts have been affected, and at least 39 health facilities are destroyed. The WFP is working to reach an estimated 250,000 people this week with emergency food supplies. The U.N. refugee agency has distributed 10,000 tents for temporary housing.

For those who want to donate to the relief effort, a simple text message pledges either $5 or $10. To donate:

• For Central Asia Institute, text the word CAI to 50555 to give $10. Central Asia Institute provides community-based education opportunities in Pakistan & Afghanistan.
• For CHF International, text the word PAKISTAN to 50555 to give $5. CHF International will provide transitional shelter, create livelihoods, and ultimately re-build Pakistan's economic and social foundations.
• For Islamic Society of North America, text the word RELIEF to 27722 to give $10. The Islamic Society of North America contributes to the betterment of the Muslim community and society at large.
• For UNHCR, text the word SWAT to 50555 to give $10. UNHCR emergency response teams are distributing tents, relief supplies, and humanitarian assistance to people displaced by the flooding.
• For World Food Programme USA, text the word AID to 27722 to give $10. WFP will use helicopters to transport food to people in isolated communities across the Swat Valley.
• For World Emergency Relief, text the word RESCUE to 50555 to give $10. Rescue Task Force is a San Diego County based non-profit relief agency that responds to natural and man-made disasters world-wide.
• For Zakat Foundation of America, text the work ZAKATUS to 50555 to give $10. Zakat Foundation has begun to address the immediate needs of flood survivors by providing food and clothing in four key Pakistani districts.

As a pioneer and leader in powering mobile donations for nonprofit organizations, mGive enables donors to make small pledges sent by text message. Mobile Accord's foundation partner, the mGive Foundation, provides the easiest, fastest and most direct way for people to help. 100 percent of the donations will go to the relief organizations to help those affected by this natural disaster. The text pledge is billed to the donor as part of their monthly phone bill. All donations are tax deductible and receipts can be printed at mGive.org/receipt.

In an address on August 4 explaining the U.S. response to the floods, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted the power of mobile donations. "I just texted a contribution myself, because we know from our own experience, particularly in Haiti, small donations can add up to make a big difference," Secretary Clinton said. "Americans have always shown great generosity to people facing crises worldwide. So I urge Americans to join this effort and send some much needed help to the people of Pakistan."

The mobile donation campaigns for relief to Haiti after the January earthquake highlighted the powerful potential of mobile technology to help relieve human suffering. Conducted by charitable organizations and powered by mGive, the campaigns raised have more than $41 million since the earthquake struck Haiti.

"We continue to be awed by the generosity of everyday Americans," said James Eberhard, CEO of mGive. "During the relief efforts for Haiti, millions of first time donors contributed to the efforts, showing how small donations can make a big difference for those in need. Pakistan needs our help now, and a simple text to donate $5 or $10 can make a difference at a critical time."