THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 31, 1994 TAG: 9410290025
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: The Gateway to the Computer World
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
THIS YEAR, Christmas comes to Cyberspace a bit early, as the computer industry is asked to put local charities on-line on the Internet computer known as ``north.pole.org.'' On Thanksgiving, when the doors open on this multimedia computer, children all over the world will be able to experience wisecracking elves, digital Christmas trees and an interactive Santa Claus.
Christmas is fun, but it is also a time for giving. The Christmas Cyberspace Campaign asks corporations to bring the spirit of giving to cyberspace. Corporations are being asked to adopt a local charity and pledge money.
On-line multimedia exhibits show people around the world what these groups are doing to help their local communities. Each time somebody in cyberspace ``visits'' the exhibit describing the charity, the corporation donates 10 cents. All those dimes will add up to a hefty contribution.
With millions of people on-line, the digital charity drive is trying to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the goal is more than just raising funds. People on the network can learn about what others are doing to help their communities. People on the Internet will be able to make their own contributions or volunteer their own time.
To kick things off, computer company Sun Microsystems has pledged $25,000 and adopted a San Francisco Bay area food bank. Smaller companies can also participate: the investment banking firm of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. in Washington, D.C., has pledged $5,000 to the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage.
Corporations wishing to participate should contact Luther Brown, vice president of Programs for the Internet Multicasting Service, for details. He can be reached by electronic mail as elfmasternorth.pole.org or by phone at (202) 628-2044.
The service will begin on Thanksgiving at these addresses:
Electronic mail: santanorth.pole.org
elvesnorth.pole.org
rudolphnorth.pole.org
To reach a human being with questions: elfmasternorth.pole.org
World Wide Web: http:
KEYWORDS: CHRISTMAS ELECTRONIC MAIL E-MAIL INTERNET by CNB