Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

October 20, 2009 -

FarmVille users on Facebook have taken advantage of a program launched by the games developer to donate almost half a million dollars to a pair of nonprofit agencies in Haiti.

Zynga launched Sweet Seeds for Haiti about three weeks ago reports VentureBeat, offering its 56.0 million users a chance to make a difference by having a portion of the price of virtual sweet potato seeds sold in the game go to the nonprofits FONKOZE and FATEM.

FATEM President Jacky Poteau said that over 500 children have been affected positively by the donations, allowing them a chance to escapes poverty and gain a better education.

FONKOZE is an alternative bank for the poor, while FATEM dedicates itself to improving the basic needs of the community, with a focus on education and alleviating hunger.

So the next time someone tells you to stop wasting time on Facebook, tell them you’re simply making the world a better place.

Comments

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by SeanB on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 23:34.

I was part of this donation. Did my part, and it didn't cost me a cent. I signed up for a couple advertised items, got some spam in my email, and in the end some kids in haiti got some money.

Literally something for nothing.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by Craig R. on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 23:09.

Considering that Zynga makes some of the most profitable - and annoying - games on social networking sites, I can't help but wonder what their cut is of this.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by SeanB on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 23:33.

for this drive, it was 50%, but much of thier 50% was revenue they'd already earmarked as regular income, so.... less than that.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by DarkSaber on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 08:24.

And therein lies my problem. They are using the "50% goes to charity" line to encourage people to spend more money with them, therefore increasing their own profits. It's a cynical marketing ploy.

--------------------------------------------------

I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by Andrew Eisen on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:51.

Facebook.  Myspace.

I just don't see the appeal (other than perhaps a convenient way to share pictures with your friends and family).

Then again, I don't enjoy multiplayer games so I suppose it's not surprising that I'm not a fan of social networking sites.

 

Andrew Eisen

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by Kabyk on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:56.

Which is why LAN was invented! Also why it needs to stay! (I'm looking at you, Blizzard)

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by Father Time on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 15:37.

Worse comes to worse we'll still have Counter Strike. Counter Terrorists Win

----------------------------------------------------

 Debates are like merry go rounds. Two people take their positions then they go through the same points over and over and over again. Then when it's over they have the same positions they started in.

---------------------------------------------------- Debates are like merry go rounds. Two people take their positions then they go through the same points over and over and over again. Then when it's over they have the same positions they started in.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:38.

Yeah, invites for this and other slacktivism games have been annoying me on Facebook for a good month now. Nothing a quick click of "Block Application" can't fix though.

--------------------------------------------------

I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by SeanB on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 23:32.

"....to donate almost half a million dollars to a pair of nonprofit agencies in Haiti."

you go girl, keep blocking those applications!

Re: Virtual Goods Lead to Real Benefits for Haitian Kids

Submitted by DarkSaber on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 06:46.

The company behind it is Zynga. If they aren't skimming a little something off the top, bottom and sides for themselves from the donations, I'd be very surprised.

--------------------------------------------------

I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.
 
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