MSN.co.za, Microsoft South Africa`s customisable gateway to the Internet, has joined hands with local online auction site
www.bidorbuy.co.za
, to raise funds for the flood relief efforts in Mozambique and Mpumalanga.
All cash raised from the five-day virtual auction will be donated to The Red Cross Society of Southern Africa. A variety of Microsoft business and consumer products as well as an assortment of Microsoft user manuals and books, sponsored by MSN, will go under the virtual hammer on Friday, 17 March.
"We are delighted with the spontaneous offer by MSN and bidorbuy to raise funds for the Red Cross Society of Southern Africa," says Dr Andrew Gray, national marketing manager at Red Cross Southern Africa. "The funds will be put to good use for relief work among the unfortunate victims of the disastrous floods in Mpumalanga and Mozambique.
"This unique opportunity enables the Red Cross to link the benefits arising from the news with the wonderful world of e-commerce and modern technology. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both MSN and bidorbuy for expressing their concern for the flood victims in this practical way."
"We would like to express our gratitude to MSN for working with us in assisting the fundraising efforts of the flood victims through the Red Cross," says Nitzan Tal, GM at bidorbuy.co.za. "We urge the public to participate in the Microsoft product charity auctions and contribute to a very worthy cause."
Tal maintains that the association with MSN on this occasion will assist in driving more traffic to the bidorbuy.co.za site, ultimately raising more funds for the Red Cross. "Success in the consumer e-commerce arena hinges on location and MSN.co.za provides us with excellent exposure to the perfect target market," he says.
"This is the first charity initiative of this nature that the local portal site has been involved in," notes Carsten Knoch, MSN business development manager at Microsoft South Africa. "It is really great to see the Internet put to use for such a worthy cause. With the proliferation of online auctioning in SA, this Red Cross charity initiative with bidorbuy.co.za is certain to be a success."
Knoch adds that Microsoft is working to create the ultimate Everyday Web site with MSN.co.za by placing the best of the Web at South Africans` fingertips. "MSN.co.za would like to extend its reach by offering surfers a one-stop Internet site to check e-mail, chat to friends, create a Web site, read the news and now, even bargain hunt for their favourite Microsoft product."
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