Starfish and Virgin Megastores are celebrating the donor model launch with “Generation:
“Individual and institutional donors want to know where their charitable dollars are going,” says Ryan Pollock, Chairman of Starfish USA. “The model we have developed at Starfish empowers people who are touched by our mission to assist these children with not only a unique and innovative way to donate, but also provides donors more choice and transparency.”
Starfish hopes to serve as an example for other non-profit organizations to aspire to, by taking a very personalized, individual approach to charitable giving. Starfish also gives its donors access to grassroots, local charities in South Africa and specific niche areas, while giving them the confidence of knowing that their charitable dollars are being spent in a cost-effective manner.
Sir Richard Branson, founder and president of the Virgin Group, said, “Virgin Unite has been a five year donor to Starfish because it brings hope and opportunity to children whose lives are imperiled by the devastation of HIV/AIDS. With this new donor model, Starfish is ensuring that even more donors invest in the future of South Africa.”
Internet giving can sometimes be less emotional because there is no human interaction. However the new online networks that Starfish incorporates in their donation model are helping to overcome this by bridging the gap between donors and beneficiaries, and simultaneously giving their donors a more personalized, rewarding experience.
Furthermore, the Internet allows for greater “transparency”
“With a larger competitive landscape, charities must differentiate themselves and listen to what their donors want,” says Cynthia Schweer, CEO of Starfish USA. “The donation model has shifted from charities telling their supporters what they need, to charities listening to their supporters and asking them how they would like to be involved.”
Protecting Africa’s Potential “Lost Generation”
In Southern Africa, as elsewhere on the continent, the AIDS epidemic is not only devastating the present generation, but also jeopardizing the future as well, undermining African economies and societies in ways that often are not immediately apparent. Many poor households affected by AIDS may not be able to afford to send their children to school. Even in countries where schooling is free, there are other costs such as uniforms and books.
According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, improving daily living conditions is the number one way to improve global health. This includes placing an emphasis on early childhood development and education, improving living and working conditions and creating supportive social protection – all areas in which Starfish is working.
South Africa has the world's highest number of people living with HIV, and the most AIDS-related deaths. As a result, approximately 450 children in South Africa are orphaned every day, and maternal orphan numbers are forecasted to reach approx. 2.1 million by 2010.
Simple, basics services, like those provided by Starfish, are necessary to improve local African communities and their likelihood to contribute positively to society/economies. Starfish is investing in the next generation of South Africa’s leaders, giving them a second chance to contribute to the world in a positive and meaningful way.
To find out more about the Exhibit at the Union Square Virgin Megastore on October 7, 2008, please visit: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/
