Mobile phone industry launches East Africa fundraiser
Ireland’s leading mobile providers have joined forces to help millions of people in East Africa. Meteor, Three Ireland, Vodafone and O2 through the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA), today launched an appeal to their customers to donate €5 by texting 'HELP' to 57500 to aid the drought in East Africa. The donations will be divided equally between Concern Worldwide, Oxfam Ireland and . The mobile operators and Comreg have waived their fees for this initiative, ensuring that €4.13 (after VAT), will go directly to the charities.
The worst drought in 60 years - combined with dramatic spikes in food prices - has triggered a catastrophic food crisis across the Horn of Africa and areas of Somalia, officially in famine, leaving approximately 12 million people in need of immediate assistance. Concern Worldwide, Oxfam Ireland and Trócaire are providing food, water, shelter and medical supplies to millions of people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.
Dr Emer Condon, ICIA executive said: "We were all shocked by the devastation in the Horn of Africa. We believe that by the operators working together, all mobile phone users will have a simple and convenient way to show their support. We hope that the campaign will help the African people in some small way."
The text campaign appeal will run until midnight Friday 30 September and is facilitated by Púca
Thursday, 1 September 2011