World Vision Adds Texting From The Hyperfactory To Tsunami Appeal

Text 'DONATE' to 883 to make a $3 donation

Auckland, 11 January 2005 - World Vision New Zealand has partnered with leading mobile applications developer, The Hyperfactory, to conduct a text messaging campaign as part of its massive tsunami appeal.

At noon today, both Telecom and Vodafone subscribers will be able to make a $3 donation to the relief effort by texting the keyword 'DONATE' to short code 883.

World Vision is the first New Zealand charity to use texting technology in an international emergency relief campaign.

The Hyperfactory is not charging for development or management of the campaign, nor will it receive any percentage of the money raised.

Bruce Waldin, marketing director for World Vision New Zealand, said that he was thrilled with the national text promotion, initiated by The Hyperfactory and supported by Telecom, Vodafone and advertising agency FCB. "We hope to reach a very wide range of New Zealanders through the text campaign, and make it as simple as possible to make a donation to the enormous relief effort."

"New Zealanders continue to be hugely generous in their response to the devastation they have seen in southern Asia," said Mr Waldin. "We hope that other organisations will follow this example in partnering with World Vision to help the tsunami victims."

Geoffrey Handley, director of sales and marketing at The Hyperfactory, said that partnering with World Vision was a tremendous opportunity for The Hyperfactory to make a practical contribution.

"We are delighted at being able to donate our time and energy to conduct this campaign," said Mr Handley. "Using SMS opens up opportunities to encourage a younger audience to donate, and makes it easy for them to make their own contribution at an affordable level."

Donations will be deducted from the bill payers' accounts, both post-pay or pre-pay. Normal carrier charges will apply.

Other partners supporting the campaign are: The Internet Bureau, George FM, Base FM, JuiceTV, NZCity.co.nz, NZHerald.co.nz, Scoop.co.nz, Telecom.co.nz, Varsity.co.nz and Xtra.co.nz.

About World Vision

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian aid and development organisation, involved with development and relief projects in over 100 countries.

World Vision New Zealand currently supports more than 70 projects in 18 of these countries.

World Vision works in three different areas: Emergency Relief, Rehabilitation and Community Development. World Vision helps transform the lives of children and families in need around the world, without regard to religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background. It gives an opportunity to every New Zealand household to be involved in a child-focused work that touches millions of people each year in its quest to end poverty, fight hunger and transform lives.

More information is available at www.worldvision.org.nz

About The Hyperfactory

Multi award winner, The Hyperfactory, is a leading developer of mobile applications in the Asia Pacific region. Founded in 2000, The Hyperfactory has pioneered the development of marketing and business solutions which maximise the mobile channel as a vital method of communication between brands and key stakeholders. Applications include consumer promotions, educational programmes and CRM solutions.

The Hyperfactory works closely with mobile telecommunications providers to ensure that all its solutions can be deployed across all local networks. Current clients include L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, Montana Wines, Dulux, Vodafone and Telecom. In addition, The Hyperfactory enjoys an unrivalled reputation as the leading provider of mobile solutions to the education sector in New Zealand.

More information is available at www.thehyperfactory.com

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