The UK is the fifth Most Generous Country, with Ireland topping GoFundMe’s 2019 list

The UK is the fifth Most Generous Country, with Ireland topping GoFundMe’s 2019 list

by | Dec 16, 2019 | News

Ireland, the United States and Australia have scooped the top three places in crowdfunding platform GoFundMe’s annual report, which includes a list of the Most Generous Countries.

Compiled by looking at the number of donations per capita, Canada, the UK, Switzerland and Luxembourg come fourth, fifth and sixth, while Netherlands, Denmark and Norway round off the top ten.

The document, called A Year in Giving, reveals the fundraisers that donors respond to and the frequency of donations. In total more than 6.75 billion pounds has been raised via 120 million donations since GoFundMe launched in 2010.

The report shows a donation is made every second, with 40 per cent of all donations less than £40. In 2019 there has been more than a 65 per cent increase in fundraisers mentioning climate change and more than a 20 per cent increase in fundraisers mentioning reproductive rights. A fundraiser is started every eight seconds and nearly 20 per cent of fundraisers in 2019 received donations from more than one country.

The most generous cities in Great Britain are Edinburgh, Cambridge and Bath, with community competitions and events the fastest growing fundraising categories in the UK, excluding emergencies. Friday is the most popular day to donate in Britain, with one in seven Brits having donated on the crowd-funding platform.

GoFundMe CEO Rob Solomon said: “We all want to be reminded of the good in humanity and inspired by uplifting news – not just during the festive season, but every day.

“Helping people and causes is what brings us to work every day and we are grateful that we get to empower others to make a lasting difference.

“As we enter a new decade, GoFundMe is committed to spreading compassion and empathy through our platform. We know we can’t do it alone, so we are excited to work with our community who share this vision of positive change. This festive season, we hope that you are motivated by the power of kindness and inspired to lend a hand to those in need. Together, we can bring more good into the world and unlock the power of global giving.”

Fortress and Castle team member conquers the Thames Path Mighty Hike

Fortress and Castle team member conquers the Thames Path Mighty Hike

by | Jul 26, 2019 | News

Fortress and Castle team member Becky Wilson stormed the Thames Path Mighty Hike this July, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process.

The scenic route, which is approximately 26 miles, follows the iconic Thames river from Windsor to Henley. Participants are estimated to take between 7.5 hours and 12.5 hours to complete the course.

Becky, who took on the challenge as part of a group of 11 family and friends, reached the finish line in position 30 out of over 2000 people taking part on the day. Her partner Mark came in next, in position 31.

Becky and Mark en route.

And at the finish line!

The 11-strong team have so far raised a huge £5239.77 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with that total currently still rising as pledges are received for their achievement.

The team

All money raised from the event goes straight to Macmillan, with each entrant raising a minimum of 250 pounds as a condition of entering the event.

Macmillan provides emotional, physical and financial support for people living with cancer. For more information on their fundraising events click here.