Help the fight against HIV/Aids with the touch of a button

Whilst the average South African is fully aware of the effect that HIV/Aids is having on our population, the options available for the public to show support for the fight against the pandemic are relatively scarce and very rarely simple.

However, this is all about to change as two of South Africa’s leading ‘Aids’ organisations, Cotlands and the Topsy Foundation, have joined forces to offer South Africans from all walks of life a unique and innovative opportunity to show their support for the fight against HIV/Aids. The campaign, endorsed by television personality Leanne Manas and backed by Exactmobile, is essentially an SMS fundraising campaign - with a difference.

The innovative mobile billing solution supplied by Exactmobile incorporates a subscription billing system i.e. those who participate in the campaign will have the nominal amount of R10 automatically deducted from their account each month, regardless of whether the person is a prepaid or contract subscriber.

Those wishing to support this campaign are encouraged to send an SMS with the word ‘Support’ to 32221, at a cost of only R1. They are then registered by SMS for the donation and the first R10 goes off their account. On a monthly basis the R10 will then be deducted on the same day of their registration e.g. the 17th. Naturally, anyone wishing to unsubscribe themselves can do so by simply sending an SMS with the message ‘Stop Support’ to the same number at a cost of R1, which will immediately unsubscribe them from the campaign.

The partnership between Topsy and Cotlands gives the campaign a more national reach, with both organisations heavily involved in Community Outreach programmes, offering relief services to people, many being children, affected by HIV/Aids and extreme poverty.

"This is without a doubt the easiest way for the public to show support for the good work Topsy and Cotlands is doing," commented Leanne Manas, ambassador for the campaign. "The ease of the transaction surpasses even that of internet banking transfers and it's such a nominal amount per month that almost all South Africans who own a cellphone can contribute."

Of each R10 donated by subscribers per month, R6 will reach the two beneficiary organisations whilst the balance will be allocated to value-added tax, banking fees, network servicing, and other mobile billing costs. Exactmobile will not benefit financially from their involvement in this campaign.

"It would be unrealistic to expect a smaller margin to be allocated to administration. This is the price we pay for the convenience of the campaign and it remains a relatively small price to pay. It is also in line with international norms," added Manas.

With transparency and accountability being key concerns for forward-thinking NGO’s these days, a website has been launched which subscribers to the campaign can visit and find out how their investment is being applied.

"Cotlands and Topsy are well-respected and trusted brands, we feel it is only appropriate that through the website, we instil a sense of confidence in our subscribers that their money is being put to good use," stated Manas.

Collectively, Topsy and Cotlands reach well over 10 000 people per month offering services ranging from medical and social welfare support, orphan support, food supplementation, educational support and hospice services. As such, approximately R30 million per annum are required to sustain the operations of both organisations collectively.

For more information, kindly visit www.topsyfoundation.org.za, www.cotlands.org, www.exactmobile.com.