After a successful first year, UNICEF’s electronic greetings service, available online at www.unicef-shop.com, has undergone several improvements for this holiday season.
Originally launched in December 2005, the service allows individuals and businesses in nine countries around the globe to send virtual cards to friends, family members, clients and customers, while making a donation to support UNICEF’s programmes for children.
And because the e-greetings are sent instantly, they are ideal for last-minute holiday wishes.
‘Flexible and easier to use’
Currently available to UNICEF supporters in Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, the newly redesigned site offers a fresh look with a simpler process for choosing and sending cards.
Also implemented with the redesign were several new options for payment. Purchases can now be made using direct debit, credit cards, online bank transfers or integrated payment gateways in specified countries.
“We wanted to make the site more flexible and easier to use,” says UNICEF e-greetings project leader Roger Keczkes.
Humanitarian appeal
Available in a wide variety of interactive designs, the e-greetings feature music and animations appropriate for many different occasions including Christmas, Hanukkah and birthdays. After personalizing their card, users pay a low minimum fee per recipient with the option to specify a larger amount for donation to UNICEF.
Through another new feature entitled ‘What the money buys’, users of the service are also able to see real examples of how UNICEF puts their money to work in two vital areas: emergency situations, where help is immediately needed, and ongoing programmes, which focus on child survival, child protection, education for all and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS.
While the project has already been a rewarding endeavour for UNICEF, further improvements are in the works with FullSIX London, the agency responsible for developing the e-greetings site under the guidance of UNICEF Director of Sales and Marketing Giuseppe Fusco.
“Our future plans will further enhance the service and make it more enjoyable for everyone,” says Mr. Keczkes.
This story was originally published 20 December 2006 on UNICEF global website.