Internet Meme Star Raises $6 Million in One Day to Help Evacuate Those at Risk in Afghanistan
Internet meme artist Tommy Marcus — aka Quentin Quarantino — created a GoFundMe campaign to help fly at-risk Afghans out of the control following the Taliban’s takeover. The campaign raised $550,000 in two hours, and over $6 million in just one day.
The campaign hopes to help evacuate human rights lawyers, activists, translators, journalists and artists that are at “imminent risk” of being killed. Those seeking asylum will be transported in groups and the funds raised already should be able to help thousands of people evacuate the country.
According to the GoFundMe page, “Every $1,500 raised represents a seat on a plane and a life saved.”
Tommy Marcus created his Instagram alter ego, Quentin Quarantino, at the beginning of the pandemic and a comical way to deal with the anxieties of being stuck inside. Marcus began posting funny memes, which led to more serious social commentary and over 767,000 followers.
“The Internet can be a force for good,” he wrote on his Instagram page. “Raising five million dollars in less than 24 hours for this rescue mission has given us and many around the world hope for humanity. Most importantly, it is a direct line to attempt safe passage for Afghans in distress.”
“The amount of impact this will have and the lives it will save is so fascinating that no word I can put in this tweet will do it justice,” he posted.
Image source: Access Wire
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