EasyCard Corp yesterday unveiled three limited editions of its IC public transportation smartcard to raise funds for social welfare groups.
A total of 3,600 of the limited-edition cards are being issued in hopes of raising NT$1 million (US$30,428) for each of three non-profit organizations: the Child Welfare League Foundation, the Syin-lu Social Welfare Foundation and the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders.
The cards cost NT$885 and come with three designs featuring paintings by three disadvantaged children who are orphans or suffer a rare illness.
PHOTO: CNA
The paintings, titled The Light of Life, The Scenic Field and Selling Fish, represent the dreams and hopes of the young artists, the company said.
One complete set of the three limited edition cards was auctioned for NT$88,500 yesterday at a news conference attended by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌), EasyCard Chairman Sean Lien (連勝文) and representatives from the charity groups.
Hau said EasyCard’s fundraiser was meaningful, especially at a time when the global economy was lagging and private donations to charity organizations were suffering.
“I’m sure these three social welfare organizations will make the best possible use of all the love and money given to them by the people who buy these limited edition EasyCards,” the mayor said.
Lien said his company, which is owned by the Taipei City government and a number of private companies, could not simply seek profit but must take the lead in demonstrating corporate responsibility by using its resources to help charities.
Wang Yu-min (王育敏), executive director of the Child Welfare League Foundation, expressed appreciation for the campaign, saying the donations would help disadvantaged children.
EasyCard urged the public to open their wallets for a good cause. Information on the campaign is available online at easycard.com.tw or by telephone at 0800-02-8880.
EasyCard issues 90,000 smartcards per month. The contactless cards can be used for payment on the Taipei MRT system and city buses as well as for other public services in Taipei.
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