The Race To Save Flint: Contest Offers Bonus To Largest Fundraiser


GoFundMe is sponsoring a contest that ups the ante for those raising money to aid the Flint Water crisis. The crowdfunding website allows people to to raise money for causes. GoFundMe will contribute $10,000 to the Flint water campaign that raises the most funds. The contest started Jan. 22 and ends Jan. 29.

$327,246 have been raised by 92 campaigns from 7,940 donors for Flint Water Crisis

With 89 campaigns running to help those affected who have few resources but still need clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing–donations are a blessing. As reported by CNN‘s Dan Pfeiffer, GoFundMe’s communication director explained the contest with the following,

“This is the first time GoFundMe has offered a contest since being founded in 2010. The purpose of the contest is to stage a friendly competition among the campaigns and encourage them to raise more money.”

GoFundMe Provides A Platform And People Step Up To Help Out

The goodwill of people is shining through. Across Michigan and around the country donations of cash, bottled water, and filters continue to pour in.Watching donations climb and the growing number of campaigns gives testimony to the power people yield in working towards a common goal.

Water Campaigns For Flint Bring Needed Aid

A variety of campaigns are in the running and are eligible for the extra ten grand. They include a research study, bottle assistance for babies, food items, and other necessities. GoFundMe campaigns are sponsored by colleges, community and student organizations, churches, youth, individuals, and at least one guy willing to go bald (one chunk of hair at a time) as donations roll in.

Undocumented Citizens Deserve Clean Water, Fear Reprisal

The community of Flint is also besieged with damage to homes, pipes, and appliances. The need for assistance increases every day and will be ongoing. Every donation helps no matter how small. The efforts of citizens also provide water for undocumented residents fearing reprisal from government officials.

Everyday People Are Making Are Making A Difference For Flint

Kudos to those donating and to GoFundMe for a “feel good” contest that can make life a little easier for Flint residents and a water crisis that never should have happened.

Feature Image by m01229 via Flicker, available under a Creative Commons license.

C. Imani Williams is a human rights and social justice activist. She writes to empower and give voice to those silenced through systematic oppression. Her work has appeared in Between the Lines, Michigan Citizen, Tucson Weekly, Harlem Times, Dope Magazine and various news and popular culture blogs. Follow the unapologetically black political culture critique @ https://twitter.com/Imaniwms and https://www.facebook.com/You-Have-The-Right-540358412796352/?fref=ts