Instant messaging with Windows Live Messenger 8.1 not only connects customers to their family and friends but also fundraises for nine non-profit organizations through Microsoft’s i’m Initiative.

According to a March 7 press release, Microsoft will donate a share of the program’s advertising profits each time a participant has a conversation with Windows Live Messenger.

Microsoft will pledge at least $100,000 to each of the organizations in the first year of the program.

The University is one of 35 campuses competing for the most downloads of the program said Wally Ghuneim, junior in LAS and a Microsoft brand ambassador for Mr. Youth, a marketing agency representing Microsoft.

“I think it is an excellent opportunity for us to raise money in a way that you do not actually have to give money,” said Ashley McGowan, senior in Communications and Microsoft brand ambassador for Mr. Youth.

The non-profit organizations include the American Red Cross, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the National AIDS Fund and others.

Participants get to designate which organization their money will support.

“(Microsoft) is doing a service to the world,” Ghuneim said. “They’re being very charitable, which more companies should be.”

McGowan and Ghuneim are promoting the initiative at the University.

“Hopefully, the University of Illinois can show that we care enough to do it,” Ghuneim said. “Not hopefully, I know we can.”

McGowan said last week, 13 University students downloaded the program.

McGowan and Ghuneim said they have not done much marketing yet, but they did create a Facebook group titled “I’m For a Cause.” In the next few weeks, they plan to hang fliers around campus.

Ghuneim said he also plans to promote the initiative to student groups on campus, such as the College Democrats.

Angela Richmond, director of public relations at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, said the initiative has given their organization a unique way to publicize their cause.

“It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in helping to give back,” Richmond said. “It is a great way for them to do so without digging into their pockets.”

Given that numerous college students already use America Online Instant Messenger, McGowan said she is promoting Windows Live Messenger as a second form of messaging.

She said she uses Windows Live Messenger to contact classmates and teaching assistants but not social friends so she does not get distracted while doing homework.

Ghuneim said Windows Live Messenger is an adult alternative to America Online Instant Messenger, allowing students to message all of the contacts in their address books.

He also said the program has video chat, requiring nothing but a Web camera and an Internet connection.

“Get out there and sign up,” Ghuneim said. “It’s easy, it’s quick and it’s free. And it’s for a good cause.”

Funded by the program:

• American Red Cross
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• National AIDS Fund
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• ninemillion.org
• Sierra Club
• stopglobalwarming.org
• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
• UNICEF

source: imforacause.com