As we ring in the New Year, millions of people make resolutions to change
their lives for the better, hoping to lose weight, quit smoking, spend more
time with their families or make other life improvements. The season of
giving inspires many to resolve to help people around them and make the
world a better place.
Vodacom, via a newly launched web and mobi-site, can now help you carry the
spirit of goodwill and giving through the coming year. They have created a
place where you can find opportunities to donate your time and money to
non-profit organisations (NPOs) who need help. This online platform enables
the public to search for an NPO, read their basic profile, view what
projects and needs they have, contact them and SMS to a dedicated short code
to make a cash donation in a safe and easy way.
This initiative forms part of the Vodacom Change the World (CtW) programme,
a ground-breaking programme that enables volunteers to work for any NPO of
their choice for a year, at no cost to the volunteer and host organisation.
“The Vodacom Change the World initiative, now in its third successful year,
is unable to accommodate everyone who has applied to be a volunteer and we
have had to turn away hundreds of South Africans who wanted to make a
difference. Through our newly launched public participation platform,
Vodacom can provide everyone with an opportunity to participate and rally
behind their preferred NPO through volunteering time, goods or cash ,” says
Maya Makanjee, chief officer corporate affairs at Vodacom.
Phase one will see the public participation platform comprising the 20 NPOs
that have taken part in the Vodacom Change the World 2011 and 2012
programme. Phase two will see the list grow to 40 organisations in April.
Thereafter, the platform will be open to all NPOs to register themselves.
“Our vision is to eventually enable all South Africans to give to NPOs
through our mobile technology platforms, ensuring that 100% of the donations
reach the hundreds of credible NPOs that will benefit from the platform.”
Makanjee adds that Vodacom is excited about working in close partnership
with the Praekelt Foundation and Sunday Times to ensure that the programme
lives up to its full potential by helping to make a difference to those in
need.
Marcha Neethling from Praekelt Foundation says: “We were excited and
honoured when approached by Vodacom to partner with them on this campaign.
We have built a web solution that will provide much needed assistance for
the NPO sector. With more households in South Africa having cell phones than
computers, combining mobile web access and SMS donations substantially
increases the reach of this initiative; making it easier for all to get
involved.” Meanwhile, Sunday Times editor, Ray Hartley encourages the Sunday
Times readers to use the platform to help make a difference.
The Vodacom public participation platform will give all South Africans –
irrespective of which mobile network they belong to, the opportunity to
donate money through a direct fundraising channel by way of SMS donations.
Vodacom customers will be able to donate free of charge with all proceeds
going to their nominated NPO.
Vodacom customers can choose to donate any amount from R5 – R200 in
increments of R1 (total payments limited to R200 per month) by sending their
chosen NPOs keyword and an amount they wish to donate, to 30100. (Neither
Vodacom, the Vodacom Trust, nor any of our respective agents will deduct or
retain any portion of the donation Vodacom customers make using CtW, nor
receive any commission, interest, rebate or other profit on any donation.)
Other network subscribers can donate a fixed amount of R30 per SMS at a
premium rate by sending their NPO keyword to 42600. (Applicable fees are
paid to the WASP that facilitates the donation. 100% of what Vodacom
collects from other network operators will be donated to the relevant NPOs.)
For more information, go to w <http://www.vodacom.co.za/changetheworld>
ww.vodacom.co.za/ <http://www.vodacom.co.za/changetheworld> changetheworld
<http://www.vodacom.co.za/changetheworld> or find us on
vodacom.mobi/changetheworld
SMS Numbers
Vodacom Customers – SMS 30100
Non-Vodacom Customers – SMS 42600
NPO Keywords
Organisation Name
Keywords
1000 Hills Community Helpers
CTW1
Algoa Bay Council for the Aged
CTW2
Association for People with Disabilities in Polokwane
CTW3
Committee for Crime Prevention in Kimberley
CTW4
East London Child and Youth Care Centre
CTW5
FAMSA Upington
CTW6
Free State Care in Action
CTW7
Free State Residential Care
CTW8
Ikamva la Bantu
CTW9
Jo’burg Child Welfare
CTW10
Ndlovu Care Group
CTW11
New Beginningz
CTW12
Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity (Noah)
CTW13
Opkyk Pathways Therapy and Education Centre
CTW14
SANCA Lowveld
CTW15
Tizanani Children’s Home
CTW16
SPCA Sandton
CTW17
The Smile Foundation
CTW18
The Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSIBA)
CTW19
Waterberg Welfare Society
CTW20