GoFundMe campaigns raise $600K for victims
The number of GoFundMe campaigns related to the Kilauea Volcano eruptions has multiplied to more than 100, with nearly $600,000 raised so far from around the world.
GoFundMe, based in Redwood City, Calif., said in response to the eruption more than 6,000 donors from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 42 countries have contributed to help those affected by the eruptions.
A centralized link leads to Kilauea victims support campaigns.
Among the largest are “Help Amber Rebuild,” which so far has raised $69,500 toward a $100,000 goal for a Pahoa Elementary School teacher and single mother of two who lost her home at Leilani Estates, and “Hawaii Natural Disasters Relief,” launched by St. Louis Cardinals baseball player Kolten Wong, which so far has raised more than $55,900 toward a $200,000 goal.
Campaigns range from help for individuals and families who lost their homes, to a few farms lost to lava and efforts to care for the horses and other animals displaced.
GoFundMe takes a 2.9 percent processing fee plus 30 cents per donation, to cover the cost of third-party credit card processors and the secure transfer of funds, according to spokeswoman Kate Cichy. She added that the campaigns are backed by a GoFundMe guarantee that will refund donations if funds are misused.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Information on Big Island-based organizations, as well as the GoFundMe link, are listed at punalavaflow2018.com, a community-sourced website set up to offer resources and information related to the eruption, which includes a disclaimer that donations are at one’s own risk. A number of local businesses, including Target and Del’s Farm Supply in Hilo, are accepting gift card donations for three locally based nonprofits in Puna.
RELATED POSTS:
>> Kilauea’s tally in Lower Puna rises to 40 structures destroyed by lava
>> Morning eruption causes alarm about air quality and ash
>> Before-and-after satellite images show major changes at Kilauea’s summit, scientists say
>> GoFundMe campaigns raise $600K for victims
>> Lava leaves Leilani Estates looking like a ghost town
>> Video: Hawaii island resident Linda Ugalde talks about Kilauea’s May 17 eruption
>> Live webcam atop Halemaumau at Kilauea
>> Photos: Satellite before-and-after images show Kilauea’s devastation
>> Photos: Ash plume rises from Halemaumau, May 15
COMPLETE KILAUEA COVERAGE:
Star-Advertiser volcano coverage
Kilauea Volcano YouTube playlist
