The HSUS Participates in Microsoft i'm Initiative

Through its participation in Microsoft's i'm Initiative, The Humane Society of the United States offers supporters and other animal lovers who use Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger the opportunity to make a difference without spending a dime. The HSUS will receive a portion of advertising revenue as a donation from Microsoft Corp., which offers special backgrounds and buttons with an animal theme.

Microsoft and nine other charitable organizations announced the launch of the i'm Initiative in March 2007, aimed at customers of Windows Live Messenger. In its first year, the initiative raised more than $1.3 million for 10 of the world's most effective social causes. As a result of strong community participation, Microsoft announced the initiative's expansion to Windows Live Hotmail on May 5.

"The Humane Society of the United States relies on millions of animal lovers across the nation and the globe to be engaged in our work," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The HSUS. "We are grateful to Microsoft for providing more tools and innovation for our supporters to celebrate animals and confront cruelty."

The i'm Initiative connects 10 cause-related organizations to Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger customers. Every time an i'm Initiative participant sends an email or sends an instant message, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with the participating organization of the participant's choice.

Designed to empower people to make a difference without spending added time or money, the i'm Initiative helps support causes that are confronting urgent social issues. The i'm Initiative aims to help the participating organizations broaden their reach in a sustainable and new way, allowing the millions of people already using Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger to be a part of the solution. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

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