We love seeing SMS used for good. For years, our not-for-profit customers have raised donations, mobilised volunteers and spread the word about important causes. All via SMS.
Just like our friends from Children\u2019s charity organisation, UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand. See how they\u2019ve taken their SMS skills to a whole new level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to save children’s lives. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, they\u2019re on the ground, providing health care and immunisation, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF brings lifesaving help and hope to children and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But many don\u2019t know that UNICEF is 100% donor funded, relying on charitable donations to fund their vital work to protect children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, when a state of emergency was declared in New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the country went into lock-down, UNICEF Aotearoa lost the valuable face-to-face time needed to help raise funds. Pounding the pavement for donations was out. Hosting major events, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, for the past two years, UNICEF has been required to do-good from a distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mastering digital communications tools became more important than ever for UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step one: find the right channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quick survey emailed to donors found the top two ways that donors preferred to be contacted through \u2013 email and SMS. OK, so it was time to level up with text message. MessageMedia, incoming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since using our services, SMS has been able to make an incredible impact through some important campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Kickathon fundraiser.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cue world-renowned rugby hero Dan Carter. Dan strapped on his rugby boots for a mammoth 24-hour Kickathon at Eden Park. Streaming live across a pop-up channel and websites, donors supported Dan as he aimed to beat the record 1598 points, he racked up during his test career. His efforts raised vital funding for safe water and sanitation across the Pacific in places like Kiribati, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, Kiwis could text to an easy four-digit number and automatically donate $3 to UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand through their mobile phone provider. Easy as that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Text2Donate function helped to drive engagement and generate leads, while alsoproviding a safe and easy alternative for those who weren\u2019t able to donate online. We found that using Text2Donate, many people donated more than once, and those that did donated on average $11.<\/em><\/p>\nLisa Ku, Content Engagement Specialist, UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Integrating SMS into the fund raising strategy helped to raise a massive $500,000 across the Kickathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When a devastating 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan in June 2022, UNICEF jumped into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They needed to quickly reach donors while the news was still at-large. Averaging a 90% open rate in just 90 seconds, SMS seemed to give the organisation the immediacy it needed. So it proved, with more than 60 donations received in the opening phase of the campaign. That\u2019s the power of SMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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