Donations flood in from across the globe
A crowdfunding campaign to support the Orlando Pulse shooting victims and their families has become the most donated cause ever on the fundraising sitte GoFundMe.
Equality Florida, the LGBT rights group, posted the fundraiser shortly after a gunman killed 49 people and injured dozens more at a gay club in the deadliest mass shooting in US history last Sunday morning.
Nearly $3 million has now been raised.
The group said it is partnering with the National Center for Victims of Crime, an organisation that helped distribute proceeds from similar fundraisers after mass shootings to "ensure that every penny will be correctly and quickly dispersed to the victims and families."
Ida Eskamani, one of five Equality Florida members based in Orlando, said she set up the GoFundMe page after being "overwhelmed" with inquiries from people asking how they can help.
We are beyond moved by the support from all corners of the world and all walks of life - Ida Eskamani
"We’re going to make sure every penny raised goes to supporting these victims," Eskamani said.
"We are beyond moved by the support from all corners of the world and all walks of life.
"From average Americans, large corporations, celebrities, musicians, artists, and political figures, over 65,000 donations have been made towards Equality Florida's Pulse Victim Fund, totaling to $2.9 million dollars.
"We do not know the total costs for the victims of this horrific hate crime, therefore are working to raise as much as possible and disperse the funds as fast as possible."
The majority of donations to the site were for $1,000 or less though there were some notably large donations.
The GoFundMe company became the largest single backer when it contributed $100,000 itself.
Bobby Whithorne, spokesperson for GoFundMe.com, said: "Today, GoFundMe donated $100,000 to the campaign supporting victims of the horrific shooting at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.
“Started by Equality Florida, an LGBT advocacy organisation, the campaign is the largest and fastest growing in GoFundMe’s history, so far raising nearly $3 million. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this terrible attack."
A vigil was held in Glasgow yesterday in support of the victims with another planned for Edinburgh tomorrow (15 June) at 7pm in St Andrews Square.
To view the campaign see www.gofundme.com/pulsevictimsfund
