Microsoft Funds HSUS

June 13, 2007 — 

Microsoft has announced a program to provide funding to the Humane Society of the US (HSUS).

According to the press release, Microsoft will donate $100,000 to the animal rights activist group and is entering into a program called the "i'm Initiative" which would provide unlimited donations based on customers' use of i'm. Microsoft would donate a portion of the advertising revenue from the program every time a Windows Live Messenger user has a conversation using i'm.

The program allows the user to select from ten organizations eligible to receive the donation. A Microsoft representative said the program is "a great way to enable people to help causes that are important to them." Other non-profit organizations, like the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, have urged Microsoft to end its support of HSUS, but the company refused.

''The Animal Agriculture Alliance is highly concerned about Microsoft teaming with an organization whose leaders have such a radical agenda,'' said Kay Johnson, Executive Vice President of the Animal Agriculture Alliance. ''Clearly someone at Microsoft has not done their homework. Otherwise they would know that HSUS is just like PETA, but in a nice suit.''

The Alliance urges everyone involved in America's food chain--from individual farmers and ranchers to processing companies to retail establishments--to contact Microsoft and demand that it terminate its financial support of HSUS. Contact Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052, phone 425 882-8080, fax 425 936-7329. For a sample letter visit http://www.animalagalliance.org/images/Current_Issues/061207_Microsoft.pdf.

Source:
Animal Agriculture Alliance