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Post by bc2ca on Aug 6, 2024 1:16:02 GMT
I don't think we've ever contributed to a GFM, but we might have in the early days. I remember poking around and being surprised at what some people were setting up accounts for, but otherwise have only checked out accounts when we have a connection somehow and then, if we are donating, we do it directly.
In two of the situations we had a connection to, multiple people set up competing accounts making it hard to know the best way to quietly, indirectly contribute.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 7,283
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Aug 6, 2024 2:01:22 GMT
Not a fan in general.
I know someone whose (rented) house burnt down. They made their own GFM. Ok fine. But then...they reached their goal and they upped it another 6k. And then upped it again after that goal was met to $25k. That kind of stuff turns me OFF. Glad I did not donate.
I donated a few times to an animal rescue and to a family who trains and cares for many dogs in another country via paypal. I have absolutely no doubt (or regret) about where that money went. And I would do it again.
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Post by flanz on Aug 6, 2024 18:20:33 GMT
I have frequently made donations (with zero $ going to running the site) to strangers going through tough times, once I'm reasonably confident that they are legit GoFundMe accounts. I have heard that there are a lot of scammers on there as well, which I have no trouble believing.
Just donated this morning to a local family who were out of town when a fire razed their rental house and destroyed all of their possessions. I know insurance is for times like this and don't know if they have any, but $$ is needed immediately in times such as these. Also, the total ask is $6k which I feel is totally reasonable. I'll be happy if they raise more though. My philosophy includes helping others when able.
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cjinmo
Junior Member
Posts: 62 
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Post by cjinmo on Aug 7, 2024 1:12:14 GMT
I voted I have never contributed, but I think I might have once, but I don’t remember what the circumstances were. It had to have been a really conmpelling reason.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,276
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Aug 7, 2024 4:36:06 GMT
There are several things about Go Fund Me that concern me.
I know someone who lost her house (and their three dogs) to a house fire. Someone they knew insisted on setting up a GFM for them. Problem is that they could only access the money through the person who set it up - and there were lots of delays and very little accountability from him. And when they tried to get information directly from GFM they were shut out because they were not the ones who set it up. They had to wait until he finally gave them the money that was raised, well after the time when the account was closed.
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Post by koontz on Aug 7, 2024 12:35:26 GMT
Thank you for sharing personal stories - it did make me rethink my decision not to donate anymore unless I know the recipient. I do like the idea of randomly, anonymously, helping people. However, I did have to think of this thread when I read a recent story about a 27 yr heiress whose father left her around USD 750,000 - who started a crowdfund to raise money for the USD 200,000 in estate taxes!  . Euh... |
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Post by gramasue on Aug 7, 2024 13:35:28 GMT
I have donated a few times for medical reasons and only when I can personally verify the expenses are valid. They have all been through friends/people I know fairly well. I know it can really help people out, but I don't like hearing stories about those who take advantage of the generosity of others.
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Post by Lurkingpea on Aug 7, 2024 13:49:23 GMT
I have frequently made donations (with zero $ going to running the site) to strangers going through tough times, once I'm reasonably confident that they are legit GoFundMe accounts. I have heard that there are a lot of scammers on there as well, which I have no trouble believing. Just donated this morning to a local family who were out of town when a fire razed their rental house and destroyed all of their possessions. I know insurance is for times like this and don't know if they have any, but $$ is needed immediately in times such as these. Also, the total ask is $6k which I feel is totally reasonable. I'll be happy if they raise more though. My philosophy includes helping others when able. My philosophy also includes helping others when able.i just choose to donate to charities that I know are valid and distribute the money wisely. Several of the stories above are why I won't donate to a GFM unless I personally know the person and know it is valid. We donate to the school programs that benefit underprivileged children in a variety of ways (clothing, food, paying for after school activities, tutoring, etc) and animal rescue and fosters. There are lots of ways people can help others. GFM is not the only option. |
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Post by flanz on Aug 7, 2024 16:52:00 GMT
I have frequently made donations (with zero $ going to running the site) to strangers going through tough times, once I'm reasonably confident that they are legit GoFundMe accounts. I have heard that there are a lot of scammers on there as well, which I have no trouble believing. Just donated this morning to a local family who were out of town when a fire razed their rental house and destroyed all of their possessions. I know insurance is for times like this and don't know if they have any, but $$ is needed immediately in times such as these. Also, the total ask is $6k which I feel is totally reasonable. I'll be happy if they raise more though. My philosophy includes helping others when able. My philosophy also includes helping others when able.i just choose to donate to charities that I know are valid and distribute the money wisely. Several of the stories above are why I won't donate to a GFM unless I personally know the person and know it is valid. We donate to the school programs that benefit underprivileged children in a variety of ways (clothing, food, paying for after school activities, tutoring, etc) and animal rescue and fosters. There are lots of ways people can help others. GFM is not the only option. ABSOLUTELY! I wasn't trying to imply otherwise! |
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Post by smalltowngirlie on Aug 7, 2024 17:20:42 GMT
The first time I did was for a friend whose brother, shot himself. It was soon after our friend got married, so he was using the gift money to pay for his brother's expense because the family, wife and 2 small children had none. It was an absolutely horrible situation for all.
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