MasterCard Strikes Aid Delivery Partnership
MasterCard is partnering with relief organization World Vision International to deliver humanitarian aid assistance via electronic payment technologies, including the Pay Award-winning MasterCard Aid Network. The partnership also will focus on fundraising and advocacy, as well as conducting research and consulting on topics including digital identity, financial education, data management and security.
“Effectiveness and sustainability are two of the most pressing issues facing humanitarian organizations,” said Ann Cairns, president, international markets, MasterCard. “We’re increasingly using our core expertise to create innovative solutions with NGOs like World Vision that address these pain points and better support those affected by poverty and emergencies around the world.” With the need for international humanitarian aid assistance at all-time high, according to anti-poverty organization Development Initiatives, the partnership can serve as a blueprint for private and nonprofit organizations working together to create mutually beneficial and sustainable aid solutions, Cairns said.
The companies previously partnered to use the MasterCard Aid Network and World Visions’ Last Mile Mobile Solutions to help micro-businesses rebuild in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in late 2013. The services also were used after last year’s earthquake in Nepal to deliver a range of services, food assistance and equipment. MasterCard Aid Network features cards redeemable for physical goods, such as food, medicine and shelter, and distributed to populations in need of aid. Cards can then be used at participating local merchants to obtain those goods, with a PIN providing ID verification. The program was named Change Agent of the Year Best-in-Category at the recent 2016 Pay Awards.
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