A group of Libyans have set up a crowdfunding campaign on popular platform GoFundMe.com to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
Daily electricity cuts, prolonged water shortages, a looming liquidity crisis and an escalating war have all contributed to the deterioration of life in Tripoli, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The organisers say that proceeds from the crowdfunding campaign will be used to alleviate the suffering internally displaced families are facing by providing housing and food staples to those in need.
The money will be sent to the Tripoli Girls Orphanage, which has been collecting donations and carrying out invaluable humanitarian work.
Libya Review interviewed the campaign’s organisers to find out more about the humanitarian initiative.
So, where did the idea come from?
The idea came from constantly hearing from friends and family members in Tripoli about their every day struggles and not being able to do anything about it. It’s really tricky to get money into Libya and we are lucky enough to have the channels to send what we can to our relatives there. We grew even more eager to collect donations when we were looking to give sadaqah/charity during the month of Ramadan. We were seeing tons of amazing campaigns that were collecting aid for war torn countries, but none for Libya. We knew there were other people that would want to help disadvantaged people in Tripoli and that’s when we decided we had to do something. It’s heartbreaking to watch the people in your country struggle, while you’re sitting in comfort and ease, and are unable to do much about it.
We had difficulty finding any charities that were willing to support funding for Libya due to the US sanctions and other restrictions. This is why we had to go through the GoFundMe route.
What do you aim to achieve through this?
Initially we were just going to collect money to send internally as a family, but decided to open it up to others because of how dire the situation in Tripoli is. And also because we know that others feel the same. There are so many families in need and it is overshadowed by other negative headlines coming out of the country. We figured even if it was just us that donated, it would be better than nothing. Luckily, we were right and so many others wanted to help families struggling to survive in present day Tripoli.
After a person donates, how does it work?
Because we didn’t know of any formal charities working in Tripoli, we decided to go through a family friend who heads the Tripoli orphanage in Furnaj. Her and her team of hardworking community members have already collected and distributed essential food items to struggling and displaced families, helping to feed them throughout Ramadan.
The fact that they were able to do this during Ramadan, while living in the current situation (bombings, electricity and water cuts) is commendable! We felt the best way to provide support was by adding funds to their incredible work. They know more about what is needed on the ground and we trust that they will continue to provide meaningful work with the money people have so generously donated.
Have you received any feedback?
Yes! The ladies are thankful for the unexpected generosity from others. Once the money reaches we will share updates, videos, and photos of what the donations were able to do on the ground!! We are hoping to reach our (humble) goal right at the end of Ramadan so that we can send the money to Tripoli in time for Eid. Since the situation is still grim we are hoping to keep the campaign for as long as needed and continue to send donations through our chosen charity. Because we nearly reached our goals in two days, we are optimistic!
If you would like to donate please click on the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/food-and-rental-housing-for-families-in-tripoli?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=23e470830cf94bb58302ca790d287758