Zynga holiday campaigns to support Haiti’s microfinance institution FONKOZE

Microfinance Focus, Dec. 27, 2009: Zynga, a social game provider, announced that several of its top games will run holiday campaigns to raise money for FONKOZE, Haiti’s one of the largest micro-finance institution. Zynga will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from social virtual goods within its online games that run on Facebook and other platforms.

FONKOZE, based in Port-au-Prince, is an alternative bank for the poor. It is Haiti’s largest micro-finance institution and is committed to the economic and social improvement of the people and communities of Haiti and to the reduction of poverty in the country.

“The concept of social virtual goods is in its infancy, and we are very excited to present our gamers with opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives”

The program expands on the company’s successful “Sweet Seeds” program within FarmVille that recently raised more than $800,000 for the benefit of children in Haiti. This holiday season, Mafia Wars fans can purchase a special Haitian drum that will help feed families and build school kitchens in Haiti through FATEM. Zynga Poker players who load up on a premium chip package will support women and children living in poverty in Haiti through Fonkoze, the largest micro-finance institution in the country. Gamers who play YoVille, Roller Coaster Kingdom and FishVille will also discover exclusive and festive ways to bring holiday cheer to their games, including the purchase of glitter globes and special food platters, while also contributing to improve the quality of life of those living in poverty.

“The concept of social virtual goods is in its infancy, and we are very excited to present our gamers with opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Mark Pincus, Zynga’s founder and CEO. “Being able to connect and empower players to affect change in Haiti and elsewhere is just the beginning of how social gaming can do good in the world and provide meaningful connections.”

Related Posts:

• Whole Foods Market provides $1 M to Fonkoze microfinance in Haiti
• Further economic recovery stimulus for Haiti via microfinance route
• US airlifts cash to help Haitian Microfinance Bank Fonkoze
• Grameen Foundation plans relief for Haiti quake victims through microfinance
• Yeardley Smith donates $1.14 million to promote microfinance
• American Red Cross gives $3.6mn for Fonkoze’s microfinance program
• Citi Provides $1 Million Grants to Local Microfinance Institutions in Haiti
• Microfinance: New helpline during natural disasters?

© 2009, Microfinance News. All rights reserved. 2008-09