Surf the Web. Save the World

TORONTO, Feb. 12 — Today saw the global launch of bettertheworld.com, the world's first, effortless fundraising platform that provides tools to empower millions of people to raise money for charity simply by surfing the web. The platform targets internet users who have no money to give to charity and charity supporters who want to do more.

"The concept is very simple — raise money for charity while you surf and search the web," stated Steve Croth, a Canadian Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Better The World. "We already all do this as part of our daily routine. Why not help charities at the same time?"

In less than two minutes, people can join through www.bettertheworld.com, download the tools, start raising money, and track the impact of their activities. The tools include a browser sidebar, and Google powered search toolbar, both of which seamlessly integrate to Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2009 is expected to be a very challenging year for fundraisers. Many charities are viewing 2009 as an opportunity to re-evaluate and capture the trend toward low cost, high engagement models supported by the use of online tools and programs.

"We've seen a growing trend towards people seeking innovative ways to support us. Better The World offers us a new way to connect online with people who want to support us, but don't necessarily have time or money to give," says Neil Hetherington, Habitat for Humanity Toronto's CEO. "People can now surf the web, support Habitat, and stay engaged with what we are doing to help rebuild communities."

By partnering with leading global and local charities and foundations like the Habitat for Humanity, TakingITGlobal, Children's Miracle Network, United Way Toronto, CANFAR, SickKids Foundation, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Better The World plans to deliver high quality programs that are well managed and executed in the field.

"Most websites and communities related to global social issues focus on delivering content related to awareness of global social issues; we've focused on impact," added Mark Bachman, Co-Founder, Better The World. "We are proud to be partnered with leading global and Canadian charities to make a tangible and measurable difference to their organizations."

"The number one goal of Better The World is to support the experience and tenacity of our charity and foundation partners," commented Elissa Beckett, Director Charities, Better The World. "We know that the work they do is making a huge difference; bettertheworld.com is an exciting new way to involve even more people in helping their efforts."

Better The World is a for-profit social venture that is privately owned and operated in Canada and the U.S. Born from extensive research completed at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, it is the world's first for-profit social enterprise with a 90/10 revenue sharing model. For more information, visit http://www.bettertheworld.com

SOURCE Better The World