CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cision, the leading provider of cloud-based PR software, services and tools for the marketing and public relations industry, has donated its PR software to help Sparkrelief reach out to media and influencers with their story.
Sparkrelief is a community-driven disaster relief nonprofit that allows community members to find and offer relief information, which is clearly mapped on Sparkrelief.org. By visiting the site, making a phone call or sending a text message, users can find and offer information on everything from open shelters for people and animals, bridge and tunnel closures, food and water, medical aid, where to charge cell phones, where to drop off donations, and more. The site is currently developing a feature that will much more easily coordinate volunteers.
"Cision's support and generosity is invaluable," said Sparkrelief Executive Director Eli Hayes. "Cision software will save nearly 100 hours for volunteers in coordinating our media presence and making disaster relief far more effective, because our volunteers can spend that time saved to help people who need relief."
He added, "You never know where a disaster might strike, so being able to quickly reach traditional media anywhere is essential. Television, radio, and online news sites are able to quickly engage both people in need and those who want to donate, volunteer, or provide relief."
"Sparkrelief provides vital information to people who have been devastated by a disaster like Sandy. Traditional and social media have a huge role in helping them find and connect those in need with life-saving information as quickly as possible," said Peter Granat, Chief Executive Officer of Cision North America. "Full access to our software allows Sparkrelief to quickly share essential information with the most influential media outlets and influencers. In turn, Sparkrelief can be more efficient in raising awareness of their services and get the word out to help people in need."
"Cision's support shows how businesses can play a role in changing lives after natural disaster," Hayes said. "Along with government and nonprofits, individuals, small business and corporations have an extraordinary capacity to help and Sparkrelief is working to make it easier for them to use their capacities to change lives."
About Cision
Cision is the leading provider of software, services, and tools to the public relations and marketing industry. Marketing and PR professionals use our products to help manage all aspects of their brands – from identifying key media and influencers to connecting with audiences; monitoring traditional and social media; and analyzing outcomes. Journalists, bloggers, and other influencers use Cision's tools to research story ideas, track trends, and maintain their public profiles. Cision is present in Europe, North America and Asia, has partners in over 125 countries and is quoted on the Nordic Exchange with revenue of SEK 1.0 billion in 2011. For more information, visit cision.com.
For More Information:
Andrée Beckham
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
312-873-6434
andree.beckham@cision.com
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http://us.cision.com/news_room/press_releases/2012/2012-11-08-2012-cision-donates-software-to-disaster-relief-organization-sparkrelief-to-raise-awareness-in-wake-of-hurricane-sandy.asp