Fundraising Offers a Powerful Opportunity for Those Impacted by Hurricanes in Hawaii

Hawaii, August 7, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Firelily, the only crowdfunding website dedicated to disaster relief, provides an opportunity for those impacted by Hurricanes Iselle and Julio to build and manage their own recovery.  Crowdfunding empowers those impacted by a disaster and those who want to help in taking control of their situations by fundraising for their disaster-related needs.  

Those impacted by Hurricanes Iselle and Julio face potential wind and flooding damage, loss of income, and evacuation-related costs.  These costs add up quickly, forcing many individuals and families to use their savings and increase their debt to repair damaged property and replace lost belongings.  Help is available through nonprofit agencies and government, but these resources cannot possibly cover all costs caused by hurricane damage.  

"Fundraisers on Firelily find an alternative source of funding to supplement assistance available from insurance claims, nonprofit agencies and government programs. These funds may mean the difference between crippling debt and a successful recovery, allowing those impacted to gain greater control of their situation and avoid the feeling of helplessness that far too many experience in the wake of disaster."

Tamara Habib, Co-Founder

“Fundraisers on Firelily find an alternative source of funding to supplement assistance available from insurance claims, nonprofit agencies and government programs,” Firelily Co-Founder Tamara Habib says.  “These funds may mean the difference between crippling debt and a successful recovery, allowing those impacted to gain greater control of their situation and avoid the feeling of helplessness that far too many experience in the wake of disaster.”

Funds donated on Firelily go directly to the individual or community impacted by the disaster. This allows fundraisers to spend in the ways that will best contribute to their recovery. For the Donor, Firelily provides a transparent atmosphere where they can learn someone’s story, contribute to their future, and track their progress towards recovery—all while having the assurance that the damage claimed by each individual or community who fundraises on Firelily is verified.

One percent of Firelily’s revenue is donated to the American Red Cross to support its disaster relief efforts. These donations are made to the local chapter of the American Red Cross, so donations not only help the individual but the community as well.

About Firelily

Whether it’s a forest fire or a flood, on nearly every continent of the globe, firelilies sprout up in the immediate aftermath of these disasters and are the first plants to revive the ecosystem. The mission of Firelily is to provide a platform where those impacted by disaster can tell their story and identify their needs; where those who want to help can do so in a tangible way; and where everyone can come to learn about disaster-related resources, news, and policy. Everyone who visits Firelily has the opportunity to affect positive change in someone’s life or community, eliminating the feeling of helplessness that persists following a disaster.