Many of you would have heard about the devastating bushfires in Australia earlier this year, which sparked an influx of donations, including $150 million alone being donated to the Australian Red Cross. Many of these donations were collected through ‘Big Tech’ with companies like Apple, Google and even the Call of Duty game, providing ways for users to donate.
The most prominent fundraiser was set up by Australian Comedian Celeste Barber which raised over $51 million on GoFundMe as of the 17th of January. However, this money is yet to be spent due to numerous legal issues. The main issue is that the online fund was set up to go to the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service for ‘equipment, training and resources’ for firefighters, however, given the extent of the donations, Barber also wants to donate money to services in other states. However, legally the trust must use the money for the stated purpose and cannot donate the funds to other charities, despite Barber changing the scope of the fundraiser online and telling donators it would go to charities in Vic and SA.
More information can be found here: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/celeste-barber-nsw-rfs-funds-not-spend-2020-2