Mobile Giving Foundation Canada donations up 980% during COVID-19 pandemic

Canadian donors using wireless giving and making a difference

TORONTO, April 8, 2020 /CNW/ - As Canadians from coast to coast adapt to the rapidly changing economic, social and physical realities being posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, one thing has not changed: their overwhelming generosity.

Data provided today by the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada (MGFC) shows donations in March were up a staggering 980% over the same time period last year – a tenfold increase. In addition, more than 21,000 people used their mobile device during the month to respond to appeals from qualified registered charities.

"Despite the unprecedented challenges being faced by people in communities across this country, Canadians are stepping up like never before to support those who need it the most," said Rob Ghiz, President & CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Associaton (CWTA). "Everyone knows that Canadians are some of the kindest and most supportive people in the world, and the response to this crisis further proves it."

MGFC was founded ten years ago by key members of Canada's wireless industry, working in partnership with the CWTA. The concept behind MGFC is simple: provide Canadian wireless users with a single "mobile giving channel" where they can donate money to qualified charities via text message, which are then remitted through their wireless service provider bills. These extraordinary times have shown the importance of these services, and the robust wireless networks that make them possible.

Since the global pandemic was first declared, MGFC has also been waiving application and renewal fees for new and returning charities, saving them upwards of $350 in the process.

"In addition to the increase in total amount of money raised, we are also seeing a marked shift in donor behaviour," added Caitlin O'Neill, Manager, MGFC. "Donors are giving higher amounts when presented with multiple options, which means more money is being funneled directly to each charitable organization."

MGFC encourages all Canadians to follow the organization on both Facebook and Twitter (@MGFCanada) for updates on charities that are activating COVID-19 relief campaigns. For further information about MGFC, and to see a list of active charities Canadians support using mobile giving, please visit www.mobilegiving.ca .

About the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada
The Mobile Giving Foundation Canada (MGFC) was founded in 2009 to create a "mobile giving channel" that empowers non-profit organizations and donors. MGFC provides the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for registered charities and donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology. The mobile giving channel gives Canadians a simple and immediate way to respond to appeals from worthy causes and have their donation charged to their wireless phone bill. 100 per cent of the donation is then remitted to the designated charity. Mobile giving campaigns are supported by Bell, Bell MTS, Eastlink, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Rogers, TELUS, Tbaytel, Videotron and Virgin Mobile.

About CWTA
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents companies that provide services and products across the wireless sector.

SOURCE Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

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