MONTREAL – Canadian wireless operators are bringing mobile philanthropy to Canada.
In collaboration with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), the Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) has launched a mobile giving platform that encourages Canadians to donate to an array of causes using their mobile phones.
The MGF partners with carriers to create a ‘mobile giving channel’, where consumers can text a keyword that corresponds to a specific non-profit organization or charitable cause to a designated short code. Upon texting the keyword, a five dollar or ten dollar donation is made and processed.
Wireless carriers then distribute the donation to the MGF, which passes through the entire amount to the specific charity, while consumers are charged the donation amount on their monthly bill and tax receipts are available to accompany the donation.
"Working with the MGF to strengthen the humanitarian presence in Canada through the use of the mobile channel is an ideal opportunity and natural fit for the CWTA," said Bernard Lord, CWTA president and CEO, in the announcement. "It is a terrific way to enable and encourage the mobile community to make donations using this rapidly growing medium, as well as to allow wireless operators in Canada to give back to society."
Plan Canada, an advocate for children’s rights, is the first charitable organization to sign on with the new platform.
