Text For The Cure This October

The utility of text messages continues to amaze. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike last month, I received an automated text message from a political campaign seeking help for a non-partisan cause – the message invited me to donate $5 to the Red Cross, and made it easy. I replied to the incoming message, and, in less than thirty seconds, had done a tiny, tiny part in aiding victims of this year’s hurricane season.

The anecdote is notable for two reasons, I think. First, the ability to communicate short messages to huge groups of people via text message is something we’re only beginning to appreciate. It’s taken hold in this year’s presidential campaign, but is still just in its infancy. Keep an eye on this method of mass communication.

Secondly, I chipped in $5 for a cause when I otherwise might not have thought to do so. I was spurred into action through that intimate, convenient text message reminder.

And there’s more good news.

This month, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has gone mobile as well. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and, in recognition of that, the Komen Foundation introduced a text message donation system similar to the one I experienced back in September. It couldn’t possibly be simpler; when you text “Komen” to 90999, $5 will be automatically transferred to the Komen Foundation. The amount will be applied to your monthly cell phone bill. That’s it. No need to negotiate a website, or sign a check.

Charitable donations via text message: yet another way the cell phone brings unanticipated convenience to our lives.