Mobile Industry Review empties its cupboard for charity

Well done to the bloggers at Mobile Industry Review for giving away the contents of their goodie cupboard in a charity-funding prize draw. Donations are split between Childline and the United Nations Foundation, with prizes including an assortment of mobile phones, accessories and services. The draw takes place on 10th December 2008; tickets are £5 each.

Poppy campaign promotes text code

This year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is publishing a text shortcode on its posters for the first time. People are being invited to support the appeal by texting POPPY to 80848. (The text costs £1.50; 90p goes to the British Legion). The text service itself isn't new; it's something we mentioned on podcast no.14 two years ago. [PDF press release]

Making Sense of Radiation

The London-based Sense About Science charity has published a guide called 'Making Sense of Radiation', which offers guidance for people concerned about radiation from mobiles, WiFi and radio masts. It's particularly critical of speculative stories and unnecessary 'protective' products. [Sources: Guardian.co.uk; Sense About Science statement; PDF report]

Wish Nelson Mandela a Happy Birthday by text

A fund-raising web site at http://www.happybirthdaymandela.com offers the opportunity of sending a text message to wish Nelson Mandela a happy 90th birthday and donating to a number of charities.

No VAT for charity texts

Donations made to charity via premium-rated text messages are not subject to VAT. That's the response from the Treasury following a campaign by Vir2 Ltd, an SMS-based marketing company, and Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten. [Press release]

Samsung supports Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Samsung Mobile has announced it will be supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust throughout 2008. Mark Mitchinson, Vice President of Samsung Mobile UK and Ireland, chose the charity - for which he's running the London Marathon - because a colleague's daughter suffers from the disease. [Press release]

Campaign to remove VAT from charity text donations

Giving to charity is usually VAT-free... but not if you donate by text message. That's why Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten is calling on the Government to allow charity-based texts to become VAT-free.