In the first six months of the pandemic, over $625 million was raised on GoFundMe for those in need. With three in every five Covid-related fundraisers
“GoFundMe has become a mirror of what’s taking place in society” the platform said in a statement, “For example, in response to the violent attacks against the AAPI community, people and brands within the fashion industry and cultural leaders have amplified the GoFundMe #StopAsianHate movement.”
A screenshot from “Big Package For Small Businesses”, the Pornhub initiative supporting small businesses with free advertising space on its website.
For the BIPOC community, GoFundMe has been a pertinent crutch, funding everything from bail bonds during last summer’s BLM marches, to supporting a Congolese fashion student in ethically sourcing fabrics for a ready-to-wear collection inspired by her grandmother. A recent fundraiser sought to raise $5,000 to launch the first luxury fashion brand with an all-POC, all-female leadership team.
But with more campaigns launched to simply put food on the table and pay for utility bills than any other to-date, Tim Cadogan, the platform’s CEO, went as far as to write an open letter to Congress, pleading with them to take responsibility. “We are proud of the role GoFundMe plays in connecting those in need with those who are ready to help” Cadogan penned “But our platform was never meant to be a source of support for basic needs, and it can never be a replacement for robust federal COVID-19 relief.”
(Continues)