On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 Earthquake hit the impoverished nation of Haiti, resulting in complete devastation. The news spread quickly via traditional media. With no electricity, phone or public services and few media personnel on the ground, it was social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook accessed through mobile devices that would illuminate the world with real-time perspective of the disaster with messages of desperation, images and pleas for assistance.

As with any other natural disaster, the Haiti earthquake stirred the hearts and minds of people around the world. As humans, it is our nature to want to help one another. So it comes as no surprise that the very platforms where people connect socially, would now become a vital link for emergency communications and aid.

Individuals on Social Networks became broadcasters, promoting “90999″ text messages for $10 donations to be made to the Red Cross, resulting in millions, almost overnight.

Today, not even 48 hours later, over 3 million dollars has been donated to Haiti Earthquake Relief via Text Messages.

Mgive, a company that specializes in text message donations, coordinated the funraising program with the Red Cross making it easier than ever for anyone to give, simply by sending a 5 digit text message via their phone.

How millions have already been raised, and what you can do, still…

Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief.

Because there are so many hoaxes that surface admist natural disasters, I quickly verified the message as authentic to the Red Cross on their website. I then participated myself in the program to test it. It could not have been easier. With a return text message from the Red Cross to verify, I had donated $10 which would simply be added to my mobile bill.

In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful demonstrations of how meaningful and results-oriented social media connections can be.

Wouldn’t you agree?