The Vodafone Ghana Foundation has launched a Red Alert campaign to assist victims of the recent floods that have hit parts of the country, resulting in the loss of lives and property and displacement of some people.
Red Alert is a platform of the Vodafone Foundation for the support of victims of natural and other forms of disaster.
Mr. Ike Cudjoe, Head of Corporate Communications, Vodafone Ghana, in an interview with GNA in Accra, said that the company took the initiative to give everyone the opportunity to support floods victims.
He explained that the Red Alert is powered by the short code 133, which allows customers of Vodafone to donate GHC1 every time they text the word "help" to the short code.
Mr. Ike Cudjoe said that funds that would be generated from public through the Red Alert would be topped up by the Vodafone for the purchase of
items that are urgently needed by the flood victims.
Any other form of support needed by the flood victims would be provided through the funds yet to be accrued.
Mr. Cudjoe said that the company was moved by the images and the heartbreaking stories on the floods and the victims and decided to do
something about the situation.
He said "Vodafone believes that even if it is not able to restore homes and properties that have been destroyed by the floods, together with well meaning individuals in Ghana, we can all help make it better by donating just one Ghana cedi via SMS. We are encouraging other corporate
organizations and individuals to join in this initiative for us all to give back to the flood victims."
Mr. Cudjoe said that Vodafone was demonstrating how telecom companies could use their technology for development and give back to the communities in which they do business.
He stressed "This is an opportune time for all other organisations to offer assistance to the people who need them in such critical times."
Mr. Cudjoe said that Vodafone realised the need to help salvage the situation, despite the fact that government agencies like the National
Disaster Management Organisation were supporting flood victims with relief items.
He said "Vodafone's initiative had come at the right time to support efforts by the state institutions to assist the flood victims."