14 DAY TRIAL // A little over three years after it was initially introduced, Microsoft is shutting down an initiative designed to allow users of its email service and instant messaging client to donate money to a number of philanthropic organizations worldwide by doing nothing more than using the company’s offerings. The I’m Initiative has raised over $3 million since March 2007, a time when it was available only through Windows Live Messenger, as Windows Live Hotmail was added later. Users of Microsoft’s email service and IM client that have participated in the initiative might as well go ahead and remove the I’m logo from Messenger and Hotmail, as it will no longer serve its purpose. Amy Essene, senior director of Marketing—Windows Live, offered the necessary instructions.
”For nearly 3 years now your passion and dedication has made change happen. The i’m initiative has now concluded, and we are so proud of the support that has been provided to the 10 organizations that have been involved. Because of you, the Initiative has donated over 3 million dollars to several organizations having a positive impact in several areas. You've championed educating youth, breast cancer awareness, animal rights, refugee help and more. Simply by chatting and sending Hotmail email messages, you made a difference,” Essene stated.
Via the I’m Initiative, Microsoft was sharing a portion of the advertising revenues associated with Messenger and Hotmail with a few philanthropic organizations, including: American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, National AIDS Fund, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, ninemillion.org, Sierra Club, StopGlobalWarming.org, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and UNICEF. The organizations mentioned above received donations when “I’m” was used in a Messenger conversation or a Hotmail message.
“Even though the i’m initiative has now ended, a new chapter will begin in the coming months. While you will no longer be chatting or sending emails for a cause, you will be able to engage more closely with the causes you believe in. With the conclusion of i’m, please follow the few simple steps on the right to remove the i’m logo from Messenger and Hotmail,” Essene added.
Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8117.416 is available for download here.
Windows Live Mail 14.0.8117.416 is available for download here.