iPad® Shopping App Catalog Spree Features Heifer International

Giving now easier than ever with first in-app donation shopping function

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heifer International today announced that iPad®  shopping app Catalog Spree is featuring its 2011 "Most Important Gift Catalog in the World." This marks the first donation shopping function within an iPad catalog shopping app, giving shoppers a new and convenient way to purchase alternative gifts for friends and family.

Heifer works to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. Shopping Catalog Spree allows holiday shoppers to purchase gifts that will help hardworking but resource-poor families in the United States and elsewhere, and protect the Earth, with no paper, ink, threatened resources or distribution costs incurred to create the experience.

"This year, through Catalog Spree, shoppers looking for gifts for friends and family can conveniently choose to give gifts that don't just change hands, but change lives," said Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International. "A cow or a goat may seem at first an odd gift, but through Catalog Spree's very visual experience, they can see and hear (through embedded video) the difference the simple gift of a sheep or pig can make."

Heifer still produces and mails its catalog, but seeks constantly to reduce its carbon footprint. This year, in addition to the Catalog Spree app, the catalog is available online and by mail, but the printed version is one third smaller than in previous years, saving paper and ink.

"We believe mobile commerce should not just be about getting—it should also be about giving," says Joaquin Ruiz, CEO, Padopolis, maker of Catalog Spree. "Heifer has a great holiday catalog that allows those shopping on Catalog Spree to also give gifts that keep on giving to deserving families in villages around the world."

Heifer is also committed to providing its donors and those interested in its work the best learning and shopping experience, so digital distribution is a natural next step, especially when consumers are increasingly comfortable with tablet technology and online shopping. Catalog Spree provides a compelling, convenient experience for donors and supporters who wish to make donations in the form of alternative gifts this holiday season.

Heifer International's catalog is in good company with Catalog Spree as well, including more than 60 catalogs from Nordstrom, Patagonia, Hanna Anderson. Sundance, Coldwater Creek, Woolrich, Norm Thompson, Filson and many others.

Catalog Spree allows shoppers to discover, share and buy at the touch of a finger through a truly interactive catalog shopping experience. Catalog Spree users can enjoy daily deals and special offers, subscribe to their favorite catalogs and be notified when new issues are available or when an item previously tagged as a favorite goes on sale.

Tapping an item within the app reveals more information—such as how a goat helped a family in Albania, or a camel provided muscle and a burgeoning tourism business in Tanzania. For safety and security and to ensure donor protections, Catalog Spree links to Heifer International's secure e-commerce site.

"We are delighted to have Catalog Spree add Heifer International's 'Most Important Gift Catalog in the World' to its app," said Ferrari. "This year, lifting a finger to help someone takes on an entirely new meaning."

About Heifer International
Heifer's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 50 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918.

About Catalog Spree
Catalog Spree is the verified catalog shopping app for the iPad®. Catalog Spree allows you to discover, share, and buy with the touch of a finger. People want a catalog app experience that's fun and easy -- and saves trees. Catalog Spree is a sexy, addictive, eco-friendly way to shop and get daily deals from our trusted catalog partners. Padopolis is a privately held company based in Los Altos, California. For more information visit www.CatalogSpree.com. 

SOURCE Heifer International