People have used crowdfunding to help fund humanitarian and rescue efforts in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban. One of these is an ambitious campaign by an Instagram influencer, which raised millions of dollars in one day. The operation also raised questions about its effectiveness.
Quentin Quarantino (aka Tommy Marcus), launched Flyaway: Emergency Afghan Rescue Mission in the hope of transporting more than 300 Afghans safely, with an initial cost of $550,000. In less than 24 hours, the campaign raised over $5 million. GoFundMe will feature it in a hub that features several verified campaigns devoted to Afghanistan relief efforts. This hub also includes GoFundMe’s $250,000 initiative to provide food aid, aid to displaced persons and schools, as well as support for journalists on the ground. You can find a complete list of verified refugee campaigns here.
Marcus launched his campaign for Raven Advisory, LLC, a subcontracting company that performs work for the U.S military. Marcus teamed up with Sheffield Ford, Raven Advisory CEO, and veteran advocates to rescue Afghans who are considered "high-value targets". These include journalists, human rights lawyers, artists, interpreters, advocates for women's rights and LGBTQ rights, as well as journalists, journalists, artists and journalists. Marcus said that the Taliban were at "imminent danger" of execution of the evacuees.
"What started as a grassroots fundraising effort is now an exponential growth. All funds will be used for the safety of at-risk Afghans."
The campaign will raise money to pay for crews and aircraft as well as security operations teams. The flight will cost $1,500 per seat, and families will be evacuated. Mashable reached out to the Department of Defense to get more information about this campaign. The leaders of the planned rescue operations stated in a statement that the U.S. military was aware of their efforts and has given permission. Any funds left over will go to the International Women's Media Organization for refugees.
Marcus Ford and Karen Kraft, veteran advocate and veteran, said that "What started as a grassroots fundraising effort have grown exponentially" and that all funds would be used to ensure safety for at-risk Afghans.
It is unclear where refugees will be landing or if they will have the legal documentation to stay. This raises concerns for people who are unsure how the rescue mission will operate. Marcus' spokesperson could not comment on whether all refugees had obtained visas to live in the U.S. However, they did point out that visas are not required to board these flights.
According to Karen Jacobsen (a professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Global Migration), "There are many large problems that immediately arise to me."
Former Special Forces soldiers are part of the team that rescues refugees. They also include intelligence officers who have expertise in Afghanistan.
Marcus Ford and Kraft stated that "The emphasis will remain on extracting the maximum number of people as quickly as possible and as safely as feasible," Kraft, Ford and Marcus said.
Here is the complete list of verified Afghan relief fundraising organizations featured on GoFundMe at the time this article was published:
Goal: GoFundMe will grant grants to nonprofit organizations that provide vital humanitarian aid in Afghanistan through its own initiative.
Goal: This campaign will send money to Women for Women International, a non-profit organization that helps the most marginalized women living in war- and conflict-affected countries. You can also make a donation directly to Women for Women International.
Goal: To rescue more than 300 Afghans who are at immediate risk of being persecuted and killed by the Taliban.
Goal: Moe Shalizi, an entertainment executive, started this campaign to raise funds to help with the humanitarian crisis. Shalizi is yet to identify which nonprofits and organizations will be funded by the fund.
Goal: Anne Lamott, a writer, organized this campaign to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders' efforts in Afghanistan. You can also make a donation directly to Doctors Without Borders by clicking here.
Goal: Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, which supports girls' education in Afghanistan launched this fundraiser to help pay for schools' operational expenses, salaries of staff, and support students and their families during the crisis. Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation can also be supported directly.
Goal: This campaign was organized by Wellness Worldwide for Sustainable Communities (a non-profit organization) and will help to fund food aid packages for internally displaced families in Afghanistan. Wellness Worldwide for Sustainable Communities can be contacted directly.
Goal: Future Brilliance is a non-profit organization with extensive experience in Afghanistan. It created this campaign to evacuate its network of trainers, employees, associates and beneficiaries.
