Animal Welfare Charity Turns to Text

Global animal welfare charity IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), has selected an autonomous web-based SMS solution, supplied by Text Messaging Centre (TMC) to deliver calls to action by text message to its substantial supporter base, in its ongoing fight to protect animals from cruelty and suffering.
TMCs web-based application allows IFAW to communicate information and instructions quickly to everyone included in its supporter database via a simple text message at any time. The company says that the quick send and respond times of its SMS solution have
speeded up reaction time from registered campaigners, resulting in more
emails to parliament than ever before, which in turn has benefited
seals, whales, and endangered species in the UK and around the world.
IFAW is a campaigning organisation so we rely heavily on quickly communicating with all our supporters at once, calling them to take action, says IFAW Communications Manager, Rosa Argent. Using SMS enables us to send messages to a large number of people instantaneously. Each message is managed highly effectively through the Internet application and allows us to receive immediate responses back.
Because TMC is a web-based application, it can be accessed from any computer. All messages are fully auditable and compliant through the interface. TMC says that its no contract, no minimum term, no fixed monthly fee approach was one of the key business drivers for IFAW, along with its reputation for cost efficiency and reliability.
Following a successful trial period, IFAW has fully integrated the TMC text messaging solution throughout all of its campaigns. The charity is now considering an expanded service that will allow it to include photos in its call to action campaigns. IFAW is also using TMC text alerts as a means of educating would-be campaigners and gauging public awareness of the charity.
Text alerts are a very useful tool provided by TMC in terms of education and awareness, says Argent. People who want to learn more about the important work of IFAW can text the Shortcode number featured on our website to receive regular SMS updates about how they can become involved in campaigns.
IFAW recently incorporated the Shortcode into marketing posters on the London Underground, advising the public to text the charity if they were interested in offering their support. Within two weeks, over 600 text messages were received.