An experimental new media approach will be part of an appeal that is being run by CMS to raise $1.6 million by the end of the 2010 financial year.
The funds will be used to cover the costs of keeping CMS missionaries in the field.
Communications Coordinator for CMS NSW, Josh Castle explains that it is not unusual to have a target of this size towards the end of the financial year as many people increase their giving to take advantage of tax-deductible donations.
In order to raise the necessary funds, CMS is appealing to their current supporters through various means.
They are also encouraging those who have made one off donations to consider giving on a regular basis to try to alleviate the need for large appeals at the end of the financial year.
In a bid to attract new supporters, CMS will also launch a widget on their Facebook fan page. The widget is linked with PayPal so users can give directly to CMS. Supporters are being encouraged to place the widget on their own profiles in order to raise awareness among their Christian friends.
Mr Castle believes that many Christians can be made aware of the current appeal through their friends, and that even if they can only give a small amount, it all adds up.
"There is definitely power in numbers, if people tell their friends that this is a worthwhile thing, even if they just give a small amount, there is a huge network of Christians out there and we can raise a lot of money," he said.
In order to launch the widget, CMS NSW had to create a new fan page on Facebook as their current group page does not support widgets. To take advantage of the new widget, users need to search Facebook for "CMS NSW'. Those wishing to donate can also visit www.cms.org.au/one-life/nsw or call (02) 9267 3711.
