The Centre on Philanthropy has launched "online giving'' which provides the Island's charities with the ability to receive direct donations over the Internet.

Internet users have been invited to make a donation to the charity of their choice this holiday season using this secure application.

Centre on Philanthropy Chairman Cummings Zuill said: "In this season of giving, we are pleased to offer this facilitation service for our member charities, and anticipate that this will increase their donations by reaching a new breed of philanthropists.'' Greg Peters, CEO of the Centre on Philanthropy said: "We have tried to create an online giving experience for everyone. You chose the charity and you choose what kind of donation to make.'' He continued: "You can donate against your credit card by making a pledge for a future amount of money, or by pledging a non-monetary gift called a gift in kind. No matter what your choice, the donation and the information is sent directly to the charity.'' On line giving can be found on the world-wide-web at www.charity.bm, and all online donation forms are secured with e-commerce-standard security technology.

The credit card application currently supports Visa, Mastercard, and affiliated debit cards.

The Centre on Philanthropy has 56 member charities including organisations such as PRIDE, PALS, Child's Wish and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

This online giving facility was made possible by Paragon Bermuda Ltd, Promisant, Logic Communications, the Bank of N.T. Butterfield and IBM.