The American Red Cross in Greater New York is part of an exciting and unique new partnership with Microsoft called the i'm Initiative that will help to raise much-needed funds for disaster relief and provide an opportunity for engaging and building relationships with a new generation of supporters. 

The new program connects customers to the Red Cross through Windows Live™ Messenger. Every time a person has an instant message conversation using i"m, Microsoft shares a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with the Red Cross.

With no set cap on the amount donated, the more i’m conversations you have, the more money goes to help the Red Cross respond to disasters of every size and scope through its Disaster Relief Fund.

The program is available for download at http://im.live.com, and customers can select the Red Cross from a list of nine charitable organizations to benefit from donations generated from their conversations on Windows Live Messenger.  There is no fee for joining or using Windows Live Messenger.

If you’re ready to help those in need by simply chatting with your family and friends, download the program at http://im.live.com and select the Red Cross as your charity of choice.