LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heifer International, an organization working to empower millions of people to raise themselves up from poverty to prosperity by providing multiplying sources of food and income such as livestock, seeds, trees and training in sustainable farming, today announced it is partnering with Zynga Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNGA ), a leading provider of social game services, for the second annual Oh, What Fun! in-game charitable giving campaign.
From December 2 to December 31, players will be able to contribute directly through in-game purchases within participating Zynga games — with 100 percent of Zynga's share of the purchase price going directly to Heifer International.
"Zynga brings a new audience of players to the table to help put an end to hunger and poverty. Social games take interactivity beyond dialogue and into the realm of action, and I am thrilled we are joining forces this holiday season," said Pierre Ferrari, President & CEO of Heifer International.
For as little as $1, players can purchase holiday goods, power packs and participate in themed quests, all in support of two Heifer International initiatives: the US-based Seeds of Change program and the Smallholder Dairy Development Project in Malawi. Additionally, the first $400,000 in player contributions will be matched $1 for $1 by a generous donor – helping to double the funds raised this holiday season.
"Zynga's mission is to connect the world through games and through Zynga.org we are demonstrating that games can be a force for social good," said Ken Weber, Executive Director, Zynga.org. "We're honored to partner with Heifer International and excited to give our players a chance to give back again this holiday season. We know it means a lot to players to be able to help those in need – both at home and around the world – by contributing funds to programs that help people lift themselves out of poverty."
The Oh, What Fun! giving campaign will roll out in eight Zynga games: CityVille, CastleVille, Pioneer Trail, Bubble Safari, Ayakashi, Hidden Shadows, Zynga Poker and ChefVille, enabling millions of Zynga players to be "good gamers" and contribute directly to the cause when playing their favorite Zynga games on their computer, tablet or mobile.
Each game will include a unique gameplay twist where players can learn more about Heifer International and give back. For example, Zynga Poker players can opt into the Poker Helping Hands program and contribute up to 15 percent of their in-game winnings to a group pot with a goal of reaching two trillion chips. If the goal is reached, Heifer International will receive $100,000. While in CastleVille, players can purchase three Heifer International animals – a goat, buffalo and llama – for their medieval kingdom.
For more details on how Zynga games are participating in Oh, What Fun! this year and how players can get in on the giving fun, please visit: http://www.heifer.org/campaign/zynga.html
About Heifer International
Heifer's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 30 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org call 1-888-5HUNGER (888-548-6437).
About Zynga.org
Zynga.org is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the idea that social games are a platform for social good. Zynga.org works closely with Zynga, Inc., a leading provider of social game services, to engage millions of game players in social impact through content and campaigns integrated into games. In addition, Zynga.org works with other game developers to leverage games to raise awareness and funds for nonprofits. Earlier this year, Zynga.org collaborated with Games for Change to produce Half the Sky: The Game, which has amassed more than 1 million players since its launch in March 2013. To date, Zynga.org has developed more than 150 in-game campaigns, raising more than $17 million for nonprofit organizations worldwide. Zynga.org is the cofounder of co.lab, a new learning games accelerator with NewSchools Venture Fund. Learn more at www.zynga.org .
The Zynga Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11743
CONTACT: Media Contact Allison Stephens Heifer International Allison.Stephens@heifer.org 501-907-2952
