Social Media Fundraising Helps Victim’s of Fire Rebuild

On this blog we’ve shared a lot of suggestions on how non-profits and political candidates are using social media fundraising tools to their advantage in order to increase donations and share their mission. However, here is one tragic story that tells how individuals are using this tool to aid in the recovery of victims in a devastating fire.

On January 9, a terrifying electrical fire tore its way through the Brooklyn apartments of Robin Newman, Monica Yi and Darrelle Vary. Newman was hospitalized and in critical condition after falling five stories in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Yi and Vary fled with just the clothes on their backs and two of their beloved pets in their arms. Now these three individuals are left with nothing but the need for shelter, clothing, food and financial assistance to pay for high medical and veterinary bills.

With a modest goal of raising $10,000, close friends created and promoted a fundraising page via social media to accept donations online for each of the victims at http://fundly.com/reliefforrobinmonicaanddarrelle
Along with their friends, complete strangers have promoted this page on Facebook, Twitter and other web channels while people from all over the U.S. have created personal fundraising pages to help raise money for the victims as well. So far, their efforts have paid off. They have raised nearly $12,000 and over 20% more than their goal from over 230 donors and 300 supporters which continues to grow daily.

“We are overjoyed with our fundraising success and how easy it has been to spread the word and raise donations from our Facebook and Twitter networks,” said Elise Kindya, a friend of the victims who launched the effort. “Seeing this widespread expression of love and support from online communities near and far is a tremendous source of hope and strength as Monica, Darrelle and Robin work to recover from this tragedy.”

It is heartwarming and encouraging to watch as people are rallying around these three to help aid in their physical and emotional healing. Social media is obviously a part of our daily lives, but to watch it in action as a philanthropic tool to help those who are hurting and in need provides a fresh light on the impact technology can have. Not only is fundraising online an asset for charitable organizations and politicians, but individuals are taking hold of this advance in technology to truly make a difference in the world. With minimal effort and financial investment, the results are astonishing as shown by the success of this story.

Fundly would love to join together with your organization to help you attain whatever financial goals you have to achieve your philanthropic success.