Global Networks Switzerland and UNICEF have signed an agreement to raise funds for Iraqi children through a worldwide SMS text messaging campaign. The Swiss subsidiary of the Los Angeles-based Global Networks will provide the worldwide access code so that mobile phone users on every continent can donate a small amount in their local currency in the few seconds it takes to send a text message.
"The humanitarian situation in Iraq is getting worse by the day, especially for the children. UNICEF is helping them right now but we need to raise US$166 million to cover the next six months. This is an SOS to mobile phone users to send an SMS in aid of the children of Iraq", says Per Stenbeck, Deputy Director and Head of Fundraising, Private Sector Division, UNICEF.
"We have reserved a global access code for UNICEF and contacted several mobile phone carriers. Their positive reaction has assured us of the importance of this project and the SMS number +979 979 UNICEF will quickly become known around the world. Thanks to our modern technology, a project of this kind can immediately contribute to crises like the one affecting Iraqi children now", says Pekka Maunuksela, Chief Information Officer of Global Networks Inc.
UNICEF is the world's leading child rights organisation and has been providing support to Iraqi children since 1952. It established a permanent operation there in 1983.
Current networks that have signed up are....
Network operators can gather details of how to participate (they get 5% of the revenue to cover costs) by visiting http://www.global-networks.ch/unicef/"
Posted to the site on 3rd April 2003
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/8617.php