[October 04, 2009] Text with Digicel to help Philippines flood victims [Cayman Net News, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands] Tweet (Cayman Net News (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 4--Digicel Cayman has joined forces with the Cayman Islands Red Cross to aid victims of Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines by setting up a texting short code for public donations. From 1 -- 18 October, 2009, subscribers on the Digicel network are able to text 'HELP' to 4244 from their Digicel mobile phones at CI$1 per text with 100% of proceeds going towards the project. This initiative is being managed by the Cayman Islands Red Cross and all funds will be handed over to the organisation to assist the relief efforts. Victor Corcoran, CEO of Digicel Cayman, expressed his concern for victims directly affected as well as Filipinos residing in the Cayman Islands. "The Digicel team is extremely saddened by the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Ketsana on the Philippines," he said. "We hope that with this resource at hand, the public will be able to assist these disaster victims by making small donations that will go towards this relief fund. In addition to this, Digicel Cayman will make its own donation to this Red Cross relief program by matching every dollar donated by the Digicel customers." This sort of initiative is not the first for the local telecommunications company as it has provided previous relief both locally and internationally to areas damaged by natural disasters. Historically, Digicel has made significant contributions to the Cayman Islands that include US$1.5 million for Hurricane Ivan and post-Paloma relief efforts to the Sister Islands in 2008. Other initiatives include relief efforts to Haiti that also involved a partnership with international courier DHL after Hurricane Gustav. Digicel Cayman Ltd. has partnered with local disaster management committees such as the Cayman Islands Red Cross, Hazard Management Cayman Islands and the National Hurricane Relief Fund. To donate to the relief effort through Digicel's SMS texting program, send your text to 4244. Each text costs $1. To see more of the Cayman Net News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.caymannetnews.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Cayman Net News, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]