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The Story: So I'll be honest. I don't exactly know what I am doing, and I need help. (Please read even if it's boring, I am only asking for idea contributions at the minimum) I have never been talented at using social media for my advantage. I have seen the talent that some of you have and I could never even come close. Now, all of that was well and good until I got off of a speaker event with the UN Climate Change Division, and I received a message on Twitter from someone in The Gambia, West Africa. After chatting back and forth some, this man showed me pictures of what looked like an arm, badly cut up. I asked if it was his wound, and he told me it wasn't, but it that the wounds belonged to his little brother. I am not a doctor, but the wounds that were shown to me looked as if they needed medical attention, and I told him so, as well as asked what had happened. He then informed me of the trouble that he was in, he told me that him and his two younger brothers are currently homeless. His brother had been flogged in the forest by some men while trying to gather firewood. I asked why he needed the firewood, assuming that he was going to tell me that they use it for warmth and food. Instead he told me that collecting and selling firewood is the only way that they can afford to eat. I won't lie, my bleeding heart wanted to help him right away no matter the risk to myself, but I know that not all of us are like that (which is totally okay). He sent me pictures of himself and his brothers, as well as his Gambia National Card, and we spoke through video chat, so I know that he is a real person in real need. My sister and I have already paid for medical expenses, however The Gambia is not safe for my three friends that call me sister. Young people that sleep outside often turn up missing and or dead, and I just want to be able to show my friends kindness, and give back to them. I want to start a fundraiser for them. I want them to be able to access food and the safety of shelter, and maybe even a shot at education
More Information: Ebrima is a 26 year old from The Gambia, West Africa. He lost his father at a young age, but was able to stay in their family home with their mother until she tragically died in a car accident. After that, Ebrima, his middle brother Alieu, and youngest brother Adama were told that they could no longer remain in the family home. Ebrima halted his studies to take care of his brothers and they have been fighting for their lives ever since. Ebrima himself is an amazing person, and someone that I feel lucky to call my friend and now brother. He believes in being kind to everyone because he feels like his struggles in life should never be passed on to anyone else. Ebrima is an incredibly hard worker, working for only the promise of an unspecified amount of money paid to him at an unspecified date (A promise that was broken by the man employing him that day). He wants so badly to go back to school, his goal is to become a business man. He wants to earn enough income as a business man that he can help people in need.
My Plea: I am currently working on starting a GoFundMe, but I would also like other suggestions, more long term solutions, even just your opinion on the matter. If you can suggest to me ways to boost a GoFundMe, or have any ideas (no matter how crazy) on how I can earn some money on the side I am very open and willing to listen/learn. (Side note: If you would like to donate anything, not only will I ugly cry, but I will figure out how to create and send receipts, also please Private Message me should this be the case, as myself and Ebrima would thank you each of you personally
One last thing - If you think I'm crazy, or stupid, or don't see any way of this working out, I too am running out of hope and options, however I have an uncontrollable drive to help, I cannot morally walk away from this, so I will continue making myself look foolish and crazy online until I can help them.
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