29 March 2007
Internet Solutions (IS), a leading converged communications services provider, has launched a Pixels for Charity website. Every Rand raised for this inaugural site will be donated to the Topsy Foundation, a charity organisation that partners with rural communities, bringing about change, through a multi-faceted approach to the consequences of HIV/Aids.
Jacqui Carrara, Chief Pixel Officer (CPO) said; “ The idea is simple: to raise R1m for The Topsy Foundation by selling 1 000 000 pixels for R1 each. Anyone is welcome to buy pixels, which are available in 100-pixel 'blocks' (each measuring 10x10 pixels). The homepage is divided into 10,000 of these 100-pixel blocks (hence there are 1,000,000 pixels in total). The reason for selling them in 100-pixel blocks is because anything smaller would be too small to display anything meaningful. You can buy as many pixels as you like, as long as there are some available. When you buy pixels, you can then display an image/ad/logo of your choice in the space that you have purchased. You can also have the image click through to your own website.”
Greg de Chasteauneuf, project team leader at IS, came up with the idea for a local pixels charity site when he saw other websites both globally and locally that were raising funds for less charitable reasons. He felt that this site should donate every cent to a really worthwhile charity. "It has been quite a challenge to get this site running in such short time, it’s amazing to see how our staff dedicated themselves to working after hours so we could get this initiative off the ground.“
Anthony Southgate, marketing executive at IS, urges buyers of their little piece of Internet history to have fun with their designs. “We are hoping that the entrepreneurial South African spirit will quickly allow creative minds to link their companies and websites in ways that make visitor want to click on their pixels. We envisage our competitive spirit to surface and the site to become a cool, vibey place to buy a bigger block than your competitor. Advertising and design agencies, marketing departments and SMEs can all have a bit of fun and spin off advertising for a low price at the minimum level of R100. The Topsy Foundation and their good works into the community will be the beneficiaries.”
The pixels bought will be displayed on the homepage for a period of one year, commencing on the date the first pixel is sold. The homepage will not change during this time.
Grant Law, director of communications and fundraising for Topsy said; "The Topsy Foundation is proud to be the beneficiary of such an innovative and interesting fundraising campaign. We firmly believe that philanthropic campaigns conducted by South African corporates always prove much more successful when they stick to what they are good at in the design and execution of their campaign, as Internet Solutions has done. We are delighted to have been chosen by Internet Solutions to be the beneficiary of this project as we know that the campaign will prove to be one of the most successful campaigns that Topsy has ever been involved in."
Pixels FAQ
Who gets the money?
All monies raised in the 2006 Pixels for Charity event (with the exception of bank charges) will be donated to The Topsy Foundation. More information on the Topsy Foundation is available at: www.topsy.org.za
Can I get a Section 18A Tax Deduction Certificate?
Absolutely! Once your pixels are live on the site, a Section 18A Tax Certificate will be e-mailed to you upon request to jacqui.carrara@is.co.za. The certificate is produced by The Topsy Foundation in its capacity as a registered charity.
Why should I buy your pixels?
To be a part of South African Internet history; to raise money for worthy causes; to have fun and challenge your competitors; and because your image on this site will be seen by thousands of people; and because it will link to your home page – just count the click-throughs.
Why can't I buy one single pixel?
Because it’s too small to load anything on it, and we are sure you can afford more than a Rand! Make your mark! Go wild! Buy a block!
How long will the site be online?
The site will be online for 1 year (from the date the first pixel is sold). If we manage to raise a million we will consider doing it again with another charity organisation.
How creative can I be?
If you want to upload a boring old logo – feel free. But you have a chance to be really creative and make this the best FUN pixel site in the world. Brag a bit. Be cheeky. Bring it on. We are hoping we’ll see real creativity as those arty types are let loose.
What publicity will the site get?
We are planning a media blitz through most of SA’s print and broadcast media. We have already got agreements from Advantage Magazine, Marketingweb.co.za, The Media Magazine and others. Watch out – we’ll be popping up everywhere. And don’t forget to tell your friends and colleagues. The more people that know about it, the better.
How do I get Started?
Go to www.pixelsforcharity.co.za
Create a new account
Follow the instructions
How do I know it’s not a con?
Routledge Modise Moss Morris has been appointed to monitor the distribution of funds from the Pixels bank account. Established in 1892, Routledge Modise Moss Morris is one of the leading and most respected full-service law firms in South Africa. The firm has an extensive blue chip client base of major domestic and international corporations, banks, financial institutions and state authorities.
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