- People have created more than 19,000 Facebook (FB) fundraisers that have raised more than $50 million for relief efforts, with support and donations coming from over 75 countries.
We’ve seen people coming together on Facebook over the past week in encouraging ways to support the people and animals impacted by Australia’s wildfires, including organizing record-breaking fundraisers and groupings.
People have created more than 19,000 Facebook (FB) fundraisers that have raised more than $50 million for relief efforts, with support and donations coming from over 75 countries.
Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber created a fundraiser that raised over $34 million from over 1 million people around the world for fire relief efforts, making it the largest fundraiser ever on Facebook. We know how important funds are in the midst of a crisis, so we’ve been working to boost payouts, which started today.
The fundraiser for the NSW Wildlife Awareness and Rescue Service has raised over $9 million from over 300,000 people to support the millions of species affected by wildfires, including 30 percent of the koala population.
People affected by the wildfires have come together to share information, find vital resources and support each other using Facebook Groups. The Bushfire Emergency accommodation in Canberra community comprises more than 9,000 members who connect people evacuating their homes with those who can provide accommodation. And in the Animal Rescue Craft Guild party, knitters from around the world come together to create handmade pouches and mittens for injured animals.
Facebook has matched AU$1 million (approximately $685,000 USD) in donations made to GlobalGiving to help support and promote the work of our group, which is steering funds to local, community-led relief organizations in Australia. We also contributed AU$250,000 (about $171,000 USD) to the Red Cross of Australia to support relief and recovery efforts.
Thanks to everyone who has been contributing and helping those affected. We’re motivated by people’s kindness on Facebook and the ability these platforms have to bring people together and make a difference. As the situation is continuing, there is still a lot of work to be done and we hope to continue being part of a systemic solution.- Fb Newsroom.
You can find the whole report here.
