Crowdfunding to rescue

While one can continue waiting for some stimulus to come from the Govt, there are many micro and small enterprises which that are turning to crowd funding.

In the US, GoFoundMe is the number one crowdfunding platform and between March 20 and March 24, the number of coronavirus-related campaigns on GoFundMe shot up by 60%, from 22,000 to 35,000. It is actually the true picture of the devastation which the virus has wrecked with people from all breadths of life wanting to raise money.  Right from money for funerals, to food needs, artists, beauticians, bartenders, substitute teachers and manicurists are all crying out for survival.

In India, the number one such crowdfunding platform is Milaap. This platform has Swiggy raising funds to enable donating a meal to the poor, Zomato for feeding the daily wage earner. There is the Uber Care Driver Fund and individuals seeking funds to treat their ailments, Relief and Learning Fund for Teach India, funds being raised to support maids and daily wage earners, funds for visually impaired to help tide over this crisis, funds for transgenders, temple helpers in Tamil Nadu, women drivers…

The list is huge and every small bit helps. This platform tells us the story of the Covid too, not a happy story but yes, some might have a happy ending thanks to people like us who can donate.