SocialVibe Raises Funds For Earthquake, Cyclone ReliefSocialVibe Raises Funds For Earthquake, Cyclone Relief

A social networking site based on support for charities has created a new feature to support fund raising quickly after natural disasters.

SocialVibe launched Disaster Relief this week, saying it will help users respond immediately to events like the earthquake in southwest China and the cyclone in Myanmar. This month, the feature will focus on Disaster Relief International, which provides medical assistance to victims of poverty, disaster and unrest; and Charity: Water, which funds projects that bring clean, safe drinking water to impoverished communities.

The two charities will split proceeds raised through SocialVibe members who select Disaster Relief as one of their causes.

"At Direct Relief, our number one priority is getting critically needed, specifically -- requested medical material aid and funds to people who need them," Jim Prosser, press secretary of Direct Relief International, said in a statement. "Our partnership with SocialVibe.com is enabling us to reach even more people faster -- and in a viral online setting. When we mobilize following a crisis on the scale of the recent Myanmar cyclone, having access to the networks of the SocialVibe membership is invaluable and we're excited about the advantage this new platform is providing for the quick flow of information and our fundraising efforts."

SocialVibe allows members to use their online presence and connections to raise awareness and funds for causes they believe in. Members choose brands to endorse on their profiles, blogs, and personal Web sites. In exchange for endorsements, the companies that sponsor SocialVibe offer chances to win prizes and donations to members' causes.

SocialVibe went public in beta in February. It claims 300% growth each month and thousands of new members each day. The site says it has already donated more than $30,000 to 14 charities.