SAN FRANCISCO, March 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zynga.org, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the idea that social games are a platform for social good, today announced it reached a $1 million contribution milestone in support of Water.org. Co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation.
"More than 780 million people – two times the U.S. population – lack access to clean water, and that's unacceptable," said Ken Weber, executive director, Zynga.org. "We are thrilled to be able to engage Zynga players through their favorite games to drive increased awareness and much-needed resources for an innovative, results-driven organization like Water.org."
Since 2010, Zynga.org and Water.org have partnered to bring awareness to global water and sanitation issues via nearly a dozen charitable giving campaigns in Zynga Inc. (Nasdaq:ZNGA) games, including Zynga Poker, FarmVille 2 and CastleVille. Over the years, Zynga players have empowered communities in Haiti by building and repairing critical water infrastructures, ensuring a lifetime of safe water for more than 40,000 people.
"Zynga.org's ability to bring to light real-world issues and instantly give people a chance to give back and positively impact social causes through games is inspiring," said Gary White, co-founder and CEO, Water.org.
As part of its latest in-game campaign, Zynga.org donated $100,000 to Water.org after more than 421,000 Zynga Poker players contributed 2 trillion chips – roughly 15 percent of their in-game winnings – to a two-week Water.org Helping Hands charity pot in Zynga Poker.
"I am humbled by the generosity of Zynga players around the world who have supported Water.org," said Matt Damon, co-founder, Water.org. "Every in-game donation is helping us realize our vision of safe water and basic sanitation for all within our lifetime."
For more information on the Zynga.org and Water.org partnership work, please visit http://zynga.org/campaigns/million-dollar-milestone/.
About Zynga.org
Zynga.org is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the idea that social games are a platform for social good. Zynga.org works closely with Zynga Inc., a leading provider of social game services, to engage millions of game players in social impact through content and campaigns integrated into games. In addition, Zynga.org works with other game developers to leverage games to raise awareness and funds for nonprofits. In 2013, Zynga.org collaborated with Games for Change to produce Half the Sky: The Game, which has amassed more than 1 million players since its launch. To date, Zynga.org has developed more than 150 in-game campaigns, raising more than $18 million for nonprofit organizations worldwide. Zynga.org is the cofounder of co.lab, a new learning games accelerator with NewSchools Venture Fund. Learn more at www.zynga.org.
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About Water.org
For more than two decades, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation; giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than a million individuals living around the world; ensuring a better life for generations ahead. Learn more at http://water.org and www.facebook.com/water.