The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit eastern Turkey Monday, killing some 272 people, has been met with a flood of support including efforts by grass roots fundraisers who are using the web and mobile text messaging to answer the cry for help.
The tragic event began to spur grass roots fundraising efforts by ordinary people just as local organizations like the Turkish Red Crescent began distributing tents, blankets and food in the region and foreign aid offers poured in. Global Giving, a website that connects people to over 1,000 pre-screened charity projects is one example of how mobile and social technologies are empowering average citizens to also answer the plea for resources.
The globalgiving.org project is calling for people everywhere to donate by check, wire transfer and SMS text. People across the globe can donate one time, monthly or even in memory of one of their loved ones by including an e-card to the victims. People in the U.S. also have the option of texting the mobile keyword, TURKEY, to Global Giving’s short code, 80088 -- automatically donating $10 to the Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund. The charges will appear on the texter’s next bill.
With the goal of raising $50,000.00, project organizers have already received 805 donations, raising more than $23,000.00 by the time that I wrote this post.
According to globalgiving.org, the project will disburse the funds to both international and local organizations in Turkey, which are providing relief and emergency services to victims. “We have been in touch with partners working on the ground in Turkey and have confirmed their need for assistance. As we did with our Japan Earthquake fund, we are committed to ensuring that your donation goes to help local relief efforts and will post more details as we have them.”
It truly is awe inspiring when you consider how social media and mobile text has brought back the small town approach in cases where it matters most – neighbors helping neighbors -- thanks to word-of-mouth communications. Smart phones and cell phones have leveled the playing field -- helping professional communicators, cause-marketers and just about anyone make a difference.
The technology has had, in some cases, life saving implications. For example, at least four people were reported to have been pulled from the rubble in Turkey when one managed to call for help on his cell phone.
Using mobile text messaging solutions like Trumpia businesses and organizations all over the world can engage with their audience for maximum impact. We’ll keep you posted as the Global Giving campaign progresses. We’re keeping the faith that it will hit the $50,000.00 mark very soon. Thankfully, with just one day under their belt, the folks at Global Giving are almost half-way there. Thank goodness for the power of social media and mobile text!
