Reading Green Party are following in the footsteps of the Obama presidential campaign and pioneering the use of online fundraising in Reading.

According to one American source, the Obama campaign raised $45 million online in February 2008 alone. Whilst the Green's ambitions are a bit more modest they hope to cover some of the large costs in the coming year, which will have both local and general elections through online fundraising.

To stand a candidate at the general election a deposit of £500 is required. To design and print a leaflet for a whole constituency costs around £700.

The Greens are using the PayPal system to collect online donations from: their website and the blogs of their leading two candidates: Parliamentary candidate for Reading East Rob White and Parliamentary candidate for Reading West Adrian Windisch.

Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Reading East Rob white said: "2010 is going to be an expensive year for the Green Party locally as we have got both local elections and a general election.

"We do not get large donations from multinational corporations but rely on small donations from individuals to fund our activity.

"Nationally we have been campaigning for integrity in politics, good quality well funded public services and more green jobs. Locally we have had successes on road safety, preserving play equipment and stopping inappropriate developments. If you support what we are doing then please think about donating a small amount."

Those without Internet access can post cheques payable to Reading Green Party to Rob White, 22 Cumberland Rd, Reading, RG1 3LB.

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

1. For more information please contact Rob White on 07985 923938 or 0118 9667183.
2. Green Park Ward candidate Rob White polled 994, and came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor at the last local elections in Reading. At the last general election he stood in Reading East and increased the Green vote by over 50% polling 1548.

Printed and promoted by Robert White, 22 Cumberland Rd, Reading, RG1 3LB. Both on behalf of Reading Green Party.