Started way back in 1985, Comic Relief has become a mainstay of the British public’s charitable activities, with Red Nose Day itself being the big event. And despite the credit crunch, they managed to raise a staggering £65 million. That’s a lot of mosquito nets.
However, you may be wondering, at this point, what that has to do with mobile phones.
Well, the reason is simple: nearly 8 million of those pounds were raised by people texting in their donation. And the reason it’s such a big achievement, and such a cool thing, is because the networks waived their usual texting fees for that one purpose, which meant that the government didn’t charge any VAT on them.
Or, in other words, if you texted in a donation (£5 being the standard donation from one text, and yes, before you ask, I did put my hand in my pocket, and text them a fiver), you can be secure in the knowledge that every penny of it went to Comic Relief and not the clowns running the country.
Ah, it’s nice to give something back every once in a while. Thanks to the 160Characters Association for the story.
Did you donate and watch Comic Relief guilt-free? Or did you do something stupid to raise cash (that IS the British way)? Leave us a comment and have your say!