SMS of hope to lift victims’ spirit

January 31st, 2006

PETALING JAYA: Hope has become the prevailing theme for the “From the Heart” nationwide SMS campaign, as people continued to provide support and raise money for victims of the tsunami tragedy.

“Hope all victims can overcome the problems they’re facing now, and know that there is always new hope ahead, it’s just the matter of time. Frm LKY” read one message that was received for the campaign, which is organised by DiGi Telecommunications, The Star and ntv7.

Some 225 messages were sent in yesterday, with most of them encouraging those affected by the disaster to continue to look for the silver lining in the midst of their suffering.

“BE STRONG. LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE. THERE’S ALWAYS S/THING TO LEARN.” wrote VEROLISA, while a message from KUMARAN read: “May GOD bless you. There is a future waiting for you.”

Other messages even offered their condolences on behalf of entire communities, with zubair writing: “condelences to all the tsunami victims from the whole Pakistani community in Malaysia.”

The “From the Heart” campaign will go on until Jan 14.

All proceeds from the SMS messages sent would be donated to The Star Earthquake/ Tsunami Relief Fund.

Each SMS costs 15 sen and for the first part – “SMS Fund Drive” – DiGi subscribers can contribute money in denominations of RM3, RM5 or RM10 by keying in the amount (e.g. RM10) and sending it to 1996.

Under the second part, entitled the “SMS Words of Support,” all mobile phone users can send dedications and words of encouragement, which will be broadcast live on ntv7 and on the DiGi website at www.digi.com.my.

Contributors will need to register by typing “FROM (space)(username)” and send it to 36677.