Orange is the latest UK network to cut its charges for charities that collect donations by text message, following similar action by O2, Vodafone and WIN plc.
The company says it'll now pass on 90% of all SMS donations between 15p and £10 to any registered charities. It gives 100% of all text donations to its own charity partners including Comic Relief, Sports Relief, Children in Need and the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Helen Davies, Orange UK's Head of Respect & Responsibility, said "Text donating is a quick, easy and more direct channel for donors and we want to encourage more charities to use this as a powerful means for fundraising. We’ve simplified our charges to ensure that 90% of a text donation between 15p and £10 now reaches the chosen charity as standard. We’re keen to raise awareness of the fundraising potential of text donations and we know from our partnership with UNICEF that text appeals are a brilliant way to engage with customers, while raising significant funds that can make a real difference."
Orange customers raised over £600,000 for UNICEF’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal and almost £2 million was raised for Red Nose Day 2009.