BURLINGTON, ON–(Marketwire – July 15, 2009) – The 12for12k Challenge, a social media-driven charitable effort, has partnered with Eye Care For Kids during the month of July. The purpose is to raise funds for visually impaired youth from poor and low-income families to get the treatment they need. By harnessing the power of social media to influence positive change, 12for12k and Eye Care For Kids hope to raise more than $12,000 to help treat kids in need across the state of Utah, including rural areas and Native American reservations.

“When a child’s vision is impaired, it affects more than just their eyes; it affects their learning, confidence and futures. What we take for granted thousands never know because of their economic situations, which is why we are thrilled to dedicate our efforts this month to helping Eye Care For Kids make sight a reality for children in need,” said Danny Brown, founder of 12for12k.

According to state statistics, as many as 65,000 kids currently need the services that Eye Care For Kids provide. Not only can this help with education and learning difficulties, it can prevent more serious long-term damage as well.

“Sight is such a critical component to education and life experience, especially for a child,” said Joseph Carbone, Founder and President of Eye Care For Kids. “Social media is arguably one of the fastest and most influential forms of influence in our world today, and we are confident that 12for12k’s efforts will help raise awareness of this important drive to bring sight to children in need.”

The 12for12k Challenge works to raise $12,000 per charity for 12 different charities in 2009 by getting 1,200 people to donate just $10 each to a different charity each month. During the month of July, 12for12k will dispatch messages through its network of thousands, leveraging social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, blogs and others. In addition, other events will take place including Masquertweet, a special charity live event in New York. For more information, please contact Danny Brown at [email protected] or visit www.12for12k.org.

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