Canadians can text message donations to Chile earthquake relief efforts

Text-message donations raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in Canada earlier this year for Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

Now, people can make micro-donations to help on-the-ground efforts in Chile, which was devastated by a massive quake on February 27.

Canadians can make a $5 donation to UNICEF Canada by texting “CHILE” to the short code 45678.

Francophone Canadians can use their mobile phones to text “CHILI” to the same number.

Donations show up as one-time charges on the contributor’s next cellphone bill.

The service is available to Bell, Fido, Koodo, Rogers, Solo, Telus, and Virgin Mobile customers, through the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada.

UNICEF Canada also accepts donations through its Web site and by mail.

You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.