In Defense of Animals launches Debit Card that helps save animals worldwide

Affinity Debit Card Program Generates Revenue from Everyday Purchases for Helping Animals

SAN MATEO, Ca. (February 9, 2010) – In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international, non-profit animal protection organization based in California, announced yesterday that it has partnered with Tempo to offer an affinity debit card, that  empowers contributors to direct their support to save animals worldwide.

Every time In Defense of Animals debit cards are used to make a purchase,  IDA will receive a portion of standard card transaction fees. The cards can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted and also provide cash-back and ATM withdrawal access to the cardholders’ existing checking accounts.

“It’s a painless, great way to help IDA raise much needed funds for our chimpanzee sanctuary in Cameroon, Africa; our veterinary clinics and ambulance service for the thousands of street animals of Mumbai, India; and for our investigative and sanctuary work in rural Mississippi,” said IDA founder and President Elliot M. Katz, DVM.

Tempo technology makes it easy for organizations to offer affinity debit cards and provides a web portal for consumers to apply for and activate cards, as well as track purchases and rewards.  The cards are issued by Tempo partner First Bank & Trust of Brookings, SD, part of Fishback Financial Corporation.

“IDA’s affinity Debit MasterCard empowers supporters to link their existing checking accounts to such a noble cause as helping animals,” said Tempo CEO Mike Grossman. “Using software-as-a-service technology, Tempo provides a speedy and cost-effective way to enable this type of affinity program and make it easy for consumers to apply, activate cards and track purchases online.”

Tempo-enabled debit cards are affinity partner-branded, generate valuable cardholder rewards, and can be used for online and offline purchases and ATM withdrawals. Working with First Bank & Trust, Tempo manages all aspects of card issuance, including risk management, application processing, card fulfillment, authorization and settlement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

About In Defense of Animals
Founded in 1983 by veterinarian Elliot M. Katz, IDA is an international non-profit organization with a distinguished record for challenging the exploitation and abuse of animals by protecting their rights, welfare and habitats. IDA fights to elevate the status of animals beyond that of mere property, commodities, objects, or things to be bought, sold, and discarded at an “owner’s” whim. IDA operates the Project Hope sanctuary in rural Mississippi, the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center in Cameroon, Africa, and its animal rescue centers in Mumbai, India. Working with grassroots organizations,  and initiating litigation, research and investigations, IDA is on the cutting edge of animal rescue,  protection and advocacy around the world. www.idausa.org

In Defense of Animals
Susan Gordon
415-448-0065
sgordon@idausa.org

About Tempo
Tempo is the leader in enabling organizations to quickly and easily offer affinity and co-branded debit cards to their customers, contributors and members. The open loop cards are rewards-based, partner-branded, and linked to the consumer’s existing checking account. Tempo provides its affinity partners with a Web-based platform that makes it easy to launch and market co-branded debit programs. The partners benefit by generating new revenue, and building loyalty through the delivery of enhanced cardholder value. Tempo is privately held and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For additional information, visit www.tempo.com.

Tempo Media Relations:
Pete Bartolik
508-283-4112
pete@bartolik.com

The In Defense of Animals Debit MasterCard card is issued by First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. First Bank & Trust is a member of the FDIC and part of the Fishback Financial Corporation.