DEC praises social networks for third sector fundraising boost

18/01/10

Written by Isabel Griffith.

Social networking websites have boosted charity fundraising for people affected by the Haiti earthquake, it has been revealed.

According to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Facebook and Twitter were responsible for thousands of users donating to the charity's emergency relief fund for the country, launched on Wednesday (January 13th).

The charity notes that raised in excess of £8 million within 24 hours thanks to the popularity of new technologies such as social networks.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, chief executive Brendan Gormley praised the 'tremendous generosity' of the UK public in supporting the appeal.

'Social networking has proven itself as a valuable addition to the fund-raising machine,' Mr Gormley added.

The DEC also states that more than 9,000 users have become fans of its Facebook page since the Haiti appeal began, while 3,000 have watched its video appeal on YouTube and 30,000 have viewed its photographs online.

The charity launched a report on the fifth anniversary of the Asian Tsunami last week (January 15th), estimating the damage caused by the disaster at $10.7 billion (£6.5 billion).

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