Over the years I’ve tried starting Fundraisers for various foundations, organizations, disasters and those in need. I’m poor myself, being on Social Security for the past fifteen years or so, so I’m aware of how much even a little bit can help in dire straights. I’ve donated whatever amounts I can afford. No, my books aren’t selling, so there is no ‘savings’ or deep pockets in this Writer’s accounts. There is just my Social Security.
I’ve tried starting Fundraisers when the Haiti Earthquake hit, devastating thousands. I’ve set up accounts when all the Japanese Earthquakes and Tsunamis hit that country. Each time there’s been a natural disaster: Phuket, Kobe, Sichuan to name the biggest earthquakes. I’ve tried a ‘Books for Kids’ fundraiser once, I’ve tried “Backpacks for Life” another time, I’ve tried Fundraising accounts for countless other disasters, the Alport’s Syndrome Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Testicular Cancer Foundation.
Guess what happened each time? That’s right, a great big fat nothing. Goose eggs. Zip. Zero. Nada. Nothing.
I’ve advertised, broadcasted and publicized across 10, 20 and more social media websites, free newspapers and even tried getting national broadcast stations interested. Guess what happened each time? That’s right, a great big fat nothing. Goose eggs. Zip. Zero. Nada. Nothing. Again.
I’ve tried everything I could think of to get people off their big, fat virtual asses to be interested enough in the suffering of others to donate to make other people’s lives thousands of miles from the comfort of their lazyboys, better. I’ve tried cajoling, shaming, appealing to their better natures. I’m beginning to think humanity doesn’t have one. Oh, there are a small handful of people that do come through, and I love and appreciate them. I get ‘oh I don’t have money to donate’, if anyone responds.
Guess what? I’m on Social Security and I find $25 to donate so an earthquake victim can have a tent to sleep in. I donate to ShelterBoxUS because more of my donation goes to actually helping people, plus I can dictate where my donation goes. Many big “charity” organizations put your donation wherever THEY feel they want it to go. With Shelterbox, you can track your specific donation to the exact location you dictate.
In my article, The Problem with Social Media is People, I state that even though I’ve been blogging for about ten years at the time of that article, I’m still not getting shares, likes or comments. Same goes for helping others. I shouldn’t be surprised, because people are selfish.
Brick ONeil 